Oh, man.

A funny thing, these seasons. On one hand the day-to-day grind of the inevitable sunrises and sunsets, clear days mixed with cloudy days, starry nights and windy mornings all blend in a seamless transition. On the other, it’s getting warmer, brighter earlier and staying light later – and it seems to happen all so fast. That’s what happens when you spend your first 28.75 years living in tropical climates that have two seasons, hot and rainy, then hotter and rainier. The seasons are something to behold. The trees are starting to bloom again

Yet, despite my child-like fascination with the meteorologic workings of the Pacific Northwest, the change is not nearly limited to the air. The Vecta Photo Studio & Gallery is open and chugging along, much like our friendly train conductors that pass by on a daily basis (we’re located right next to the rail line… a constant source of distraction/entertainment). As such, my focus has shifted significantly. Our largest client at the moment is a real estate development group and I’ve found myself fiddling with lights more than hiking through beautiful scenery.

Long lenses are giving way to portable lighting setups strong to overpower the sun with enough left over to turn over a Ford F-350, if one so chose to try it I suppose. Eagles, deer and other wildlife are now models, bands and corporate types needing to attach a mug to “That website thing,” and that’s OK. I love the studio. I love the lights. Hell, I just love shooting and editing and blabbering on about it. After all, there are plenty of different types of rides, but not choosing any of them is damning yourself to missing out on whatever may be out there.

Ben Henry, guitarist and singer for the Seattle-based Grim Smiley.

The impending Spring. What a great concept.