Encountering the Majestic Blue Heron at Murphy Park

I was pleasantly surprised by the birds down at Murphy Park this morning. If there is one thing that I can speak confidently on, its that trying times and feelings in life can feel solace in nature.

I not only made eye contact with this beauty, also a bald eagle and a few others!

Spiritually, the Blue Heron symbolism and meaning calls you to reflect on stillness, patience and deep meditation. (source whatismyspiritanimal.com). There has been times I have been to this park and do not see any birds, other times multiple herons, or like today a beautiful mix. This was the message I needed to receive today. If there is one thing I love about listening to my urges and grabbing the camera and heading on a photo walk, is the vast possibilities, the openness of possibilities of encounters as I walked the path and the birds began opening up. It was like an on going communication that got louder the further I walked into the trail. Mere minutes from town, yet you feel like you are enveloped within nature, traffic nearby and yet almost undetectable when you allow yourself to completely immerse in the moment.

I do understand I need to be more patient with myself, also with my strong puppy – walking a dog after falling and having a concussion, brings fears to the forefront really quickly – this will be defeated as I am patient! Stillness… taking a step out of the everyday, the ringing and binging phones at various times of the day. Patient with my heart, the healing is deep and as much as Ive tried, its not instant, at all. Patient with my body and health, prioritizing my and my family’s mental health. Patient with my focus and planning – writing everything down and having digital has been a life saver, not just from hitting my head but for life and sadly grief. Patient with progress – in any way that may come, progress on weeding the garden, progress on the house, progress with dealing with paper work (nailed that last weekend!!!), progress in life.

As I stepped forward and scanned the water, locking focus on this bird, our eyes (and lens) locked, even as the bird flew away, I am grateful for the connection that happened today. As well as grateful for the reminder…

“In Greek myths, Heron is God’s messenger, so it was wrong to harm one in any way as it brought terrible luck. Stories of Athena speak of a Heron as one of Her messengers. Heron also represents honor and virtue. Throughout Greek Art, Heron plays a role in the on-going struggle between good and evil; the balance between these two concepts has a substantial influence on the symbolism and meaning of Heron spiritually.

In nature, Heron flies alone. The Bird is not fond of groups except during the mating season. As a result, Heron represents solitude and corresponds with The Hermit Card in the Tarot. Like The Hermit, Heron speaks of introspection, soul-searching, inner reflection, and meditation.

The Heron has ties to the Water Element that encourages us to flow with the energies around us. We do not need to struggle with nature but instead cooperate with it. There is no question the Heron is lovely and graceful. It’s hard not to be inspired by such a marvelous, stunning Bird.” (Source https://whatismyspiritanimal.com)

All images copyright Pamela Zmija – not able to reproduce without permission. Images all available for canvas order – please contact Pam directly.

See more in my portfolio at the link above!

God Hears What You Don’t: Finding Peace in Acceptance

I heard something the other day that made me stop what I was doing…

“God heard things…”

is what I read and then I heard this in my head…

‘God heard conversations that you didn’t and is keeping you apart from those who were poison in your life. Never chase someone who chooses to walk away and/or not be there for you, the real benefit is within – it just takes time to allow yourself acceptance, that you DO deserve to be treated with respect.‘

Flow vs Force
Create vs Control
Attract vs Chase
Aligned Action vs Hustle
Expansion vs Playing Small

June is Brain Injury Awareness Month

In November 2008, our world was turned upside down. My brother Adam had a fall that would forever change his life.

Adam helped bring a group to our small town, as he knew first hand the importance of brain injury awareness and also, sadly, the lack of support for people with this injury.

https://www.biaww.org/

The Brain Injury Group of Waterloo Wellington

Advocate
Educate
Connect
Empower

Resources and Links for those who have experienced a brain injury ->

https://www.biaww.org/resources.html

The resources provided are not only for individuals who have experienced a brain injury, they also provided resources and support to their loved ones/caregivers.

https://www.biaww.org/family-caregivers-introduction-to-brain-injury.html

From the Brain Injury’s Facebook Post…

🧠 June is Brain Injury Awareness Month! Let’s come together to share hope, build understanding, offer support, and spread awareness.

At BIAWW, we’re committed to empowering acquired brain injury (ABI) survivors and their families through advocacy, education, and connection.

👉 Learn more about our programs and how you can get involved!

http://www.biaww.org

Image by Pam Zmija

A Still Start to June: Beauty in the Quiet Moments

As June begins, nature has a way of reminding us to slow down. The rush of spring is behind us, and summer hasn’t quite hit full stride. There’s a pause—a breath between seasons. It’s in that in-between space where I find inspiration, especially through the lens of macro photography.

This image was captured after a gentle rain, the world still hushed and heavy with moisture. A single leaf, cradling droplets like tiny glass sculptures, became my subject. Each drop, though momentary, felt eternal in its stillness. Breathe…

June Teaches Us to Look Closer

June isn’t always about big moments or bold beginnings. Sometimes it’s about subtle shifts—longer days, warmer mornings, the way light lingers just a bit longer in the evening.

That’s what this photograph represents to me: a gentle awareness. The kind that asks nothing of you but your attention. It’s not dramatic, but it’s deeply present. And maybe that’s the lesson June has to offer.

Stillness is Underrated

Macro photography is a practice of patience. You can’t rush it. You must remain still. This allows your subject to settle into its own rhythm. By doing this, you also calm. That’s a rhythm I’m carrying into this month.

In a world that constantly demands movement and momentum, this image is my quiet rebellion. A celebration of stillness. A reminder that sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is be fully here. BE!

As we step into June, may we notice more, rush less,
and give the smallest moments the attention they deserve.

The Art of Seeing: Lessons from a Raindrop

In the hustle of daily life, we often overlook the beauty that surrounds us. Yet, sometimes, it’s the tiniest details that hold the most profound lessons. This image—a close-up of rain droplets perched delicately on a leaf—serves as a reminder
of the elegance found in simplicity.

The Power of Perspective

Macro photography trains the eye to notice what others might miss. A raindrop, in its miniature world, becomes a lens reflecting the vastness of the sky. By focusing on such small subjects, we learn to appreciate the intricate patterns and textures that make up our world.

Embracing the Moment

Water droplets are transient; they exist for mere moments before evaporating or falling away. Capturing them teaches us the value of the present. In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to forget that beauty often resides in fleeting moments.

Reflections of Life

Just as a raindrop mirrors its surroundings, our perceptions reflect our inner state. By adjusting our focus, we can change how we view the world. Photography, in this sense, becomes a metaphor for life—encouraging us to shift our perspective and find clarity.

The Mindful Photographer: Life Lessons Through Macro Shots

Macro Photography teaches you to look beyond the obvious. Its a crucial life lesson.

Beyond the Obvious: What Macro Photography Taught Me About Life

In a world obsessed with the big picture, macro photography taught me the value of looking closer.

I first picked up a macro lens. I thought I was just exploring a new technique. I planned on capturing intricate textures. I wanted to capture the symmetry of an insect’s wing. I aimed to photograph the fine dew on a petal at sunrise. But over time, it became something much more. It became a way of seeing the world. A life lesson, disguised as art.

The Art of Paying Attention

Macro photography demands stillness. You don’t just snap a shot—you slow down, breathe, and observe. You study your subject as though it’s the only thing in the universe that matters at that moment. And it is.

That kind of attention is rare in daily life. We scroll, skim, skip. We’re conditioned to look for the headline, the shortcut, the result. But macro photography insists: stop rushing. The magic is in the details.

Life Is in the Details

Insects, moss, veins of a leaf—these aren’t things we usually stop to admire. But when you bring them into focus, they reveal patterns and beauty that rival the grandest landscapes.

That’s life, isn’t it?

The small moments—quiet coffee in the morning, laughter in passing, the way light falls through a curtain—are essential. They are the micro-moments that build a meaningful life. Too often, they go unnoticed. Macro photography has trained me to find them, appreciate them, capture them—not just with a camera, but with my presence.

Seeing the Unseen

There’s a discipline in searching for beauty where others might overlook it. You learn to trust your eye, to dig deeper, to question what’s “obvious.” That mindset spills over into everything: relationships, creativity, even problem-solving. It teaches empathy, patience, and curiosity.

Macro photography reminds us that the world is layered. What you see first is rarely all there is. Look closer.

A Practice in Mindfulness

Every macro shoot is a meditation. You become aware of your breath, your movement, the wind, the weight of light. It’s one of the few places where I lose all sense of time—because I’m fully present. And in that space, I feel connected, not just to my subject, but to something much bigger.

Macro photography isn’t just about close-up images. It’s a philosophy. It teaches us to slow down, to pay attention, to look again. And in doing so, it reveals a truth we often forget in the chaos of everyday life:

The most extraordinary things are often hiding in plain sight
—waiting for us to notice.

Embrace Rainy Days: Macro Photography Tips

I used to dread the damp, dreary, rainy days. Now I grab my camera and macro lens. I go out and make the best of the weather by shooting! Its one of the most unique ways to capture the beauty of nature, intimately.

Ive noticed when shooting macro, I tend to hold my breath. Now conscious of this and after having a wee scare recently, I consciously told myself to breathe as I was shooting these photos. I know I haven’t been as conscious as I should have, I am just getting back to my “roots” and ensuring my cup is overflowing. This can feel challenging at times.

Am I allowed to feel and be happy, of course I am allowed to, yet why does it at times feel so debilitating. I know Im not the only one, any death is hard, unexpected is that much harder. Even knowing hes here with me spiritually whenever I need, there is a part of me missing now forever.

His reminder to me, through a medium, take care of myself, take care of my body… Getting out on cold, rainy, dreary days helps shift the focus. Capturing these images transforms ‘your life as art’ instead of wallowing in sadness. As I edit the images from my camera I enjoy my vitamin drink + electrolytes. All habits that also help my well-being.

Whatever challenges you face in life, macro can help guide you. It brings you from the overwhelming or scary great big picture. It pulls you back into the finer details of life. You can literally stop and smell the roses. These are details that may not be visible to the eye as you walk past. A shift in perspective.

Go higher, get lower, think outside of the box when it comes to macro. Talk to nature.

  • Go Higher
  • Get Lower
  • Think outside of the box
  • Talk to Nature – speak to the plants, birds, butterflies and bees.
  • Maximize and minimize your aperture. Get in close. A beautiful bokeh creates a breathtakingly beautiful background. Pulling out to f8 or 10 gets even more details in focus in the image.
  • If it’s still raining or lightly spitting, use the lens hood. That will help keep the rain off the front of your lens.

“Grief is just love with no place to go. All of that unspent love gathers up in the corners of your eyes, the lump in your throat, and in that hollow part of your chest.”

Small Details, Big Impact: The Art of Macro Photography

The smallest, yet biggest impact… the beauty of macro!

Rain, Leaves, and Nature: Discover What Takes Your Breath Away

Nature never ceases to amaze me, the beauty of the rain on the leaves of this plant are just breath taking. Something I am deeply being reminded of. Breath.

Find more things that truly take your breath away purely by their beauty!

Nature is so beautiful. Plants do not care who or what is around them. They are their best selves. I find such peace being with nature.

I pushed my settings limits on this one, I normally like to maximize the lens, so if its an f2.8 or f3.5 or 4 I like to shoot at that, Ive found my lenses are beautifully sharp at that setting. For this one I pushed to f8 to get even more macro beauty detail!

This above might be my fav ❤

‘Time and life can create distance, but it doesn’t erase care or memories.
Wherever you are in your journey, I wish you joy, healing,
and all the beautiful things life can offer.‘

❤

Your Life As Art Photography by Pam

Artist & Intuitive | Pamela Zmija

Skip to content ↓