Pin-tailed whyda, South Africa
Off on a morning game drive in Chobe National Park in the Okavango Delta region of Botswana, I captured this lovely pair of Carmine Bee Eaters.
My name is Richard Miles and I’ve been in love with photography since I was a teenager, taking photos with an old Rollieflex camera my dad brought home from Germany.
My goal is to travel the world taking pictures. I love capturing a moment in time and space. I hope my photos touch people.
I’ve never had confidence that my photography could be more than a passion, so I’ve spent a lifetime in the corporate world. Declaring “I’m an artist” is much harder.
Like a composer who hears a song before writing a note, I can “see” in my mind’s eye what it is I want to create. So this year I set out to and “come out” as it were, as an artist.
I took a risk and joined a photographers group who encouraged me to put my photos up for sale. Even though I was insecure, I uploaded my best images hoping someone would buy them.
I’ll never forget the first time a stranger purchased one of my photos. I was out walking when I heard an unfamiliar “cha-ching” sound on my phone, letting me know that someone had bought my photo of Yosemite. “I’m on my way!”
I remember driving over snowy roads to Yosemite in winter. Up an hour before dawn, I ventured out in the icy cold. My fingers were freezing. With the scent of pine, I see the waterfall across the valley, snow piling at the bottom. I sure could use a hot cup of coffee.
As the sky lightened, I clicked the shutter. I got the shot. And that’s the image I sold!
Feeling confident, I donated a photo of a vineyard at sunset to a local organization for their annual auction. And it got nothing! Not a single bid, not even a pity or mercy bid. It really shook my confidence. Am I just an imposter?
My hopes plummeting, I was ready to give up my dream.
Meanwhile, I had entered photos into a competition at the County Fair, hoping to at least get a mention. I walked up to the exhibit hall, almost turning back several times, my heart pounding. The July heat was oppressive, my palms wet. I hesitated, and finally peeked in. And there was my photo, prominently displayed, right in front! Hanging from my photo was a blue ribbon. First place! To my shock…every one of my photos ribboned. I won first place in the Landscape category. And second place. I was filled with joy.
My confidence restored, I got back to it. I promised myself that I would continue. Since that first sale, I’ve sold dozens more to people I don’t know. In fact, I’ve sold over 150 photos to people all over the world. It brings me such great joy to think of my artwork in other people’s spaces. I love it when I see pictures of my photos hanging on someone’s wall. And I’m totally in it for that feeling.
This image will make a great addition to your office or home, your kid's room or play area.'
PURCHASE OPTIONS
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UNIQUE ARTISTRY, ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES: Elevate your home or office with exclusive and unique artistry that brings the beauty of nature to your space. Each piece is carefully crafted to evoke emotion and create a focal point that sparks conversation and appreciation.
OPTIONS & DETAILS: (see below for production and shipping times)
Premium Glossy Photo Paper are high quality, professional paper-prints.
This option is available in 5x7 inches, 8x10 inches, 11x14 inches or 16x20 inches.
They are designed to be placed in a frame, which can be purchased separately (starting at a few dollars at your local art store or online).
Ready to Hang Canvas (Framed and Unframed)
Modern Floating Frames are available in either Black or Brown.
Ready to hang right out of the box with zero assembly required.
Ready to Hang Acrylic Prints
Museum-quality, .22" thick clear acrylic produces superb image quality and vivid colors. UV resistant ink prevents fading.
Ready to Hang ChromaLuxe Metal prints
Unmatched color brilliance and durability.
PRODUCTION & SHIPPING TIMES:
* Glossy Photo Paper: 5 days for printing, 5 days for shipping.
* Ready-to-Hang Canvas: 5 days for printing, 5 days for shipping.
* Acrylic Prints: 10 days for printing, 5 business days for shipping.
* Metal Prints: 14 days for printing; 7 business days for shipping.
LIKE WHAT YOU SEE?
Find more great images of wildlife and landscapes in my shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/richardmilesphotos
