The vision for this blog
The vision for this blog is to share how I see this precious world through images and words and how I try to participate as a co-creator within them. These images and stories are of the people and places I visit as I walk through life: the bus stop, coffee shop, walks in the neighborhood or natural area, traveling, a sunrise or sunset, a frost covered maple leaf, the opening of a tulip, storm clouds on the eastern plains, and more. I hope these images and words may touch or move you in some way and nudge you to turn off the television and go experience this precious world we are a part of. It is our home. Please feel free to leave comments on the images and writings.
Personal history
I grew up along the Colorado Front Range. I spent some time living in Hawaii and the midwest and currently live in Fort Collins, Colorado. After careers as an engineer, barista and a flight attendant, I retired in 2014. I began journaling in 1991, enjoying the pleasure that has brought.
Picked up my first film camera when I was in junior high, a Yashica twin-lens reflex camera. After a hiatus from photography, except for snapshots of family times, I bought my first digital camera in late 2002. My passion for photography was reignited. Now spending my retirement years pursuing my passion for nature photography, a bit of street photography, journaling, blogging, delving into some haiku, seeking new adventures and remaining a full time student of life.
Journaling:
My journaling includes writing down my thoughts, feelings, experiences, or reflections on a regular basis, usually for self-reflection and self-expression. I also journal to log daily activities, make notes, ideas, or insights of the world around me. I have used it as letter to, as well as from, the Divine Reality within. It is my written prayer. I have carried a journal and pen with me for over 30 years now. I currently use a Leuchtturm1917 size A5 notebook and a half dozen Pelikan M200 and M205 fountain pens and a variety of ink colors. Some of these writings have become fodder for this blog.
Cameras and lenses:
I currently use Fujifilm cameras: X-T3 (July 2020), an X-T10 (May 2015), and Fujifilm X-E1 ( October 2013). My small assortment of lenses are the Fujifilm XF 27mm f2.8, Fujifilm XF 35mm f2.0 (Love this lens), Fujifilm XF 18-55mm F2.8-4.0, Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f4.0 and the XF 70-300mmF4-5.6.
Computer and Software:
I edit with Lightroom Classic, Silver Efex Pro, and a wee bit of Photoshop.
Purchasing Prints:
I do offer images for sale through Fine Art America. To purchase an image please click on the “Buying Prints” tab at the top of this site which will take you to my FAA website. With a few clicks you will be able to select prints on paper or canvas, the print size, frame styles and colors, or greeting cards with optional text inside, and a few other products.
Photography Books:
I have over the past couple of year put together some self-published photo books using Blurb publishing . If you would like to see these books , even purchase one, you can click on this link then search for Monte Stevens to find my account on Blurb. It will list the books I currently have for sell. Self-publishing is not cheap so the books are not cheap, but then again neither are the books.
A spiritual life
For the past several years I’ve practiced a contemplative lifestyle which includes quiet, solitude, silence, prayer and meditation, journaling, time within nature, holding all of life as sacred, and living the principles of a Twelve Step program. I’ve used the guidance of a Spiritual Director in this journey for many years and found it beneficial for me. In the summer of 2019 I received a certification in Spiritual Direction. I share this because I wonder what would our world look like if people reconnected with our natural world, maintained and grew their spiritual life, delving deeper in prayer, sacred reading, meditation and contemplation in whatever form that works for them. You can find more information on spiritual companioning by clicking here.
13 Comments
Whistle Pig
really nice! thanks for sharing.
Opa Wayne
Monte, that is a very nice photo of you – it looks so real. Your comments are appreciated. I wonder how many people we meet are living life without enjoying life. You have chosen a superior path, dear friend, and I always wish you the best. Just keep enjoying every moment, and taking pictures so that we can share in your insights. Visit us, dear brother, you know we always have a room ready for you.
QPB
Nice website, Monte. I was perusing random blogs, trying to find some themes suitable to use for photos. Enjoyed the layout and the photos I’ve viewed. Will stop again to enjoy the rest of your blog.
Melissa
Monte,
You are like an onion; you have many layers. (You and Shrek!) As these layers are revealed, I find your life and interests and talents even more fascinating. Somebody needs to write a story about you! I’d volunteer, but I don’t think I could do you justice. You Rock, Dude!
Smiles!
QPB
Monte, I think the theme looks great! I like the red, too.
Marty
(You wrote) I find the solitude of nature to be a wonderful place to spend quality time and unfortunately feel these places are becoming scarce
Reality is… you just have to know where to look.
Sandra
Monte,
been a good visit to your site this afternoon. Think of you often as I hear and watch fellow motorcycle enthusiasts ride by. We certainly have had some good times. Miss you! sjm
Dave W.
Hey Monte! I don’t think you give yourself enough credit for the talent you have with a camera. Excellent images! Not many photographers think to photograph such simplistic things, but you do a very nice job of making normal everyday things look so much more interesting.
Hopefully more people will stumble on your work and recognize the talent there. We’ll have to get together for a photography outing. My favorite thing to do is just walk through the woods or a marsh in the morning or evening and take in the remarkable things that exsist in nature but the rest of the population doesn’t acknowledge.
Well done!
~ Dave
Joan
Monte – “Rocky Mountains at 28,000 Feet” is just stunning. And I love the fat robin. Your web site looks very polished; the photos are great!
Monte Stevens
Glad you stopped by and glad you enjoyed my images. I still have much to learn in both my photography and my writing skills. I’m having fun with it all. What is happening with you? I do hope all is going well with you.
Adam Koch
Hello Monte,
I randomly stumbled across your photos while searching through pbase for shooting ideas. Your perspective is quite unique and inspirational. As a fellow Columbus citizen, I see you have captured many of the same places that I have frequented. Keep up the good work!
Monte Stevens
Thank you for stopping by the photoblog. I’ve been living out hear for almost 2 years. I’ve found the community to be great and have fallen in love with the Metro Parks systems. I live near Blendon Woods Park where I find walks with my camera to be rejuvenating.
Pingback: