It’s been many months since I’ve posted anything to this blog.
First of all, a big thank you to those who have reached out; I appreciate your concern and apologize for having been so uncommunicative.
Today marks the first day that I will be going back to my office, since all of us were directed to work from home back in March of this year. A phased, slow return is planned to the office, assuming that conditions in Massachusetts continue to progress along the right track. As part of the first wave, I get to be a guinea pig and have the opportunity to get a bit of separation between work and the rest of my life, which has been lacking.
Despite the positive aspect of being able to work, there definitely have been a number of things that have surprised me, as they have taken more of a toll than I expected.
Snowy Desolation
As the return to the office continues, I hope to start a slow return to a normal cadence to my life. As part of this, the Tuesday Photo Challenge will make a comeback. Also, you can expect some posts on non-photography topics, as I am looking to unburden myself from some of that, which has bothered me during this strange, and sometimes stressful time.
I will make an effort to respond to some of your comments over the next couple of weeks as well; thank you for your patience and support!
A Fresh Perspective
Photography is more than just a vehicle for capturing the world around me; it provides me with a palette and a set of brushes, with which I paint not only what I see, but also look to express the emotions that are evoked by the scene in front of me in that moment.
Growing up in the Netherlands exposed me to a wide cross-section of visual arts that laid the foundation of my photographic view of all that surrounds me. Early influences were the Dutch Masters of the 17th century, to whom I was introduced by my grandfather during museum explorations; favorites among them are the scenes of quotidian life depicted by Jan Steen and Frans Hals and the vivid landscapes of Jacob van Ruisdael.
My classical high school education was supplemented by the Boijmans Van Beuningen museum, where I spent many a lunch hour exploring its great collection. Here I was introduced to surrealism with a particular love for the approach taken by Salvador Dali; Dali also rekindled my appreciation for the work of Hieronymus Bosch, who often showed the folly of us mortals.
Universal Connections
My approach to any photographic subject is to look for understanding first; in this I look to establish either a connection between the viewer and the subject or capture the connection of the subject with its surroundings. The captured image then aims to portray this connection from a perspective that is part of my personal interpretation.
This interpretation is often a form of externalized introspection, which may alternately display the connection of isolated beings and items with their environment or highlight the whimsy of the profound world, in which we find ourselves. The universe is full of connections, many of which are waiting to be discovered; part of my journey as a photographer is to document these connections.
Any assignment, be it an event, a product shoot or a portrait session is always approached through communication with the client; this is where the first connection is established. Ideas are exchanged and a collaborative plan of action forms, ultimately resulting in a set of images that aim to exceed the expectations of each client.
And, lest we forget, it is important to have fun while practicing the serious business of photography!
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I was so glad to be greeted by your post this morning – to know you have returned! These past months have been tough to say the least. Welcome back 🙂
“Snowy Desolation” is a fabulous photo. Wind, waves, tracks. It’s also an apt description of this strange and stressful time.
I’ve missed you and was glad to see something pop up on your blog. Looking forward to the return of the Tuesday Photo Challenge on whatever schedule works for you as you return to working in a office and continue to carry some level of grief after your mom’s death. Glad to be patient with you and trust you’ll be patient with yourself.
It feels good to start bringing back a more ‘normal’ schedule to my work-life balance. I don’t think any of us were fully prepared for what this year might do to us.
So glad to see a post from you Frank. You have been missed, especially after the sad loss of your Mum.
Looking forward to your new challenges and the return of the Tuesday Photo Challenge.
Take care and keep safe.
Hey Frank!
Good to have you back. The world has certainly turned upside down in so many ways since March but I’m sure you will find the blogging world as same as before 🙂
I am so relieved to see you back, Frank. I was really concerned and even reached out to a couple of other participants to see if they’d heard from you. Take the transition slowly and don’t put too much of a burden on yourself. Can’t wait to get beck to the challenge!
Thank you! We’re taking lots of precautions at work and thus far, I’ve seen about 15-20 people in our facility, which holds somewhere between 600-700 folks during good times.
Great to have you back, Frank. That’s a gorgeous photo to accompany your post – beauty with a lot of emotion behind it. Take care and I hope the return to the office goes well. There are many people wanting to make that move even if for only 1 day a week. In fact, my daughter provides a variety of services to staff and HR teams in companies, and at the moment the biggest demand is for help to cope with these changes – for the individuals, the team and the company
My plan is to do 2 days a week for right now, as several days tend to start very early, due to calls with teams in India and Israel. The team at Red Hat has done a great job and are moving ahead very cautiously with just a couple of offices in Massachusetts, where COVID has been managed pretty well. It’s a daunting task for every department to do this well and provide safety and support for everyone associate.
Not in the same situation as you are, but I am making a slow return too, to blog land, and keep forgetting which day it is.All that time without wifi, because hubby had a job (building a deck) in the Californian wilderness, and after that we moved to Texas – it might as well be another country, lol! Hope your adjustment in returning to the office goes quickly! Jesh
Oh, Frank – I am so glad you’re back. Sending you and your wife many blessings. Whew.:)
If you ever want to talk, or be in touch, email me anytime. It’s weloveyou@forgivingconnects.com. Isn’t it amazing that we can make such connections over WordPress!
Welcome back, Frank! I didn’t realise you were back until today. I have been waiting for you – thought you, like many of us, had some adjusting problems to the new order. Glad you decided to come back to us – looking forward to new challenges!
Hi Ann-Christine! It’s good to be back and slowly getting everything back to somewhat normal. For me, it won’t be fully normal, until I travel again and get to meet people outside my hometown circle.
I think I must agree. Our bubble is getting a bit narrow for such a long time. I will try to join in your challenges – always enjoyed them. Almost traveling some outside the bubble .
Dutch goes the Photo! 
So good to have you back! 🙂
I was so glad to be greeted by your post this morning – to know you have returned! These past months have been tough to say the least. Welcome back 🙂
Thank you so much!
You’re most welcome!
Welcome back Frank, so good to hear from you again! 🙂
Thank you, Xenia!
You are worth the wait. Stunning picture.
You’re most kind!
So glad to see you!!
Likewise, Kammie!
So nice to see you back!
Thank you!
Glad you’re back!!
Thank you!
“Snowy Desolation” is a fabulous photo. Wind, waves, tracks. It’s also an apt description of this strange and stressful time.
I’ve missed you and was glad to see something pop up on your blog. Looking forward to the return of the Tuesday Photo Challenge on whatever schedule works for you as you return to working in a office and continue to carry some level of grief after your mom’s death. Glad to be patient with you and trust you’ll be patient with yourself.
Thank you very much, Teressa.
It feels good to start bringing back a more ‘normal’ schedule to my work-life balance. I don’t think any of us were fully prepared for what this year might do to us.
So glad to see a post from you Frank. You have been missed, especially after the sad loss of your Mum.
Looking forward to your new challenges and the return of the Tuesday Photo Challenge.
Take care and keep safe.
Thank you so much, Diane!
🙂 you’re welcome Frank
Hey Frank!
Good to have you back. The world has certainly turned upside down in so many ways since March but I’m sure you will find the blogging world as same as before 🙂
Thank you, Hammad. Looking forward to re-connecting with everyone.
I am so relieved to see you back, Frank. I was really concerned and even reached out to a couple of other participants to see if they’d heard from you. Take the transition slowly and don’t put too much of a burden on yourself. Can’t wait to get beck to the challenge!
Thank you, Susan. I really appreciate your concern and look forward to re-establishing normal!
I have been worried about you, Frank. It was wonderful to see your post this morning.
Great to have you back. Take your time.
Thank you so much, Sandy!
Certainly, Frank.
Welcome back! What a beautiful snowy scene to return with. 😊
Thank you!
I’ve been off of my blog for a few months, just returning this past week. I’m certainly glad to see you back in this space.
Cheers, Amy
Hi Amy, great to hear that you’re back as well!
😊
Nice to see you here again!
Thank you, Anne!
It is great to see you back and I hope that your return to work is a safe one 🙂
Thank you! We’re taking lots of precautions at work and thus far, I’ve seen about 15-20 people in our facility, which holds somewhere between 600-700 folks during good times.
It is so difficult the best you can do is take as many precautions as possible. Stay safe 🙂
Missed you!
Thank you!
So glad you are back, Frank
Thank you much!
Great to have you back, Frank. That’s a gorgeous photo to accompany your post – beauty with a lot of emotion behind it. Take care and I hope the return to the office goes well. There are many people wanting to make that move even if for only 1 day a week. In fact, my daughter provides a variety of services to staff and HR teams in companies, and at the moment the biggest demand is for help to cope with these changes – for the individuals, the team and the company
Thank you, Debbie!
My plan is to do 2 days a week for right now, as several days tend to start very early, due to calls with teams in India and Israel. The team at Red Hat has done a great job and are moving ahead very cautiously with just a couple of offices in Massachusetts, where COVID has been managed pretty well. It’s a daunting task for every department to do this well and provide safety and support for everyone associate.
Great to have you back
Thank you!
Take it easy Frank. Tuesdays may return to normal for us as well 🙂
Great to hear that, Brian!
Welcome back Frank, glad to have you back in the ‘virtual’ community, take care.
Good to see you back, and well. Reopening is not simple; we’ve had hiccups and scares, and decided to take it very slow. Hope yours goes well.
Not in the same situation as you are, but I am making a slow return too, to blog land, and keep forgetting which day it is.All that time without wifi, because hubby had a job (building a deck) in the Californian wilderness, and after that we moved to Texas – it might as well be another country, lol! Hope your adjustment in returning to the office goes quickly! Jesh
😃🎉 Happy to have you back.
Hi Khurt – I see Frank is ok! Thank you for letting me know that you hadn’t heard from him. I really appreciate it.
Best,
Debbie
Oh, Frank – I am so glad you’re back. Sending you and your wife many blessings. Whew.:)
If you ever want to talk, or be in touch, email me anytime. It’s weloveyou@forgivingconnects.com. Isn’t it amazing that we can make such connections over WordPress!
Debbie
ps – Good luck as you get used to being in your office again, and all that brings forward. I’ll be thinking of you!
Hi Frank, even een kort berichtje om te kijken hoe het met je is. Groeten uit de Nederlanden
Welcome back, Frank! I didn’t realise you were back until today. I have been waiting for you – thought you, like many of us, had some adjusting problems to the new order. Glad you decided to come back to us – looking forward to new challenges!
Hi Ann-Christine! It’s good to be back and slowly getting everything back to somewhat normal. For me, it won’t be fully normal, until I travel again and get to meet people outside my hometown circle.
Be well!
I think I must agree. Our bubble is getting a bit narrow for such a long time. I will try to join in your challenges – always enjoyed them. Almost traveling some outside the bubble .