Monthly Archives: February 2025

Scotland is Magical

19 Wednesday Feb 2025

Posted by in Around the World, Trips

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Scotland is truly magical as only the place that inspired Harry Potter can be. Stunning castles, bagpipers, afternoon tea, beautiful cathedrals, and Scotch distilleries … this country has it all, and it is a travel photographer’s dream.

My favorite day in Edinburgh was exploring the sites of the Harry Potter world. From The Elephant House, “the birthplace of the Harry Potter novels”, where J.K. Rowling had her first book published while she was writing in the back room overlooking Edinburgh Castle, to the shops along Victoria Street, which inspired Diagon Alley, there was magic everywhere. The author’s handprints are on a flagstone in front of the Edinburgh City Chambers, there is a special Magical Afternoon Tea at The Department of Magic, and The Balmoral Hotel is where the final scenes of the final book were written. My visit to Greyfriard Kirkyard was also very cool. There is a map that leads to many headstones that inspired some of the most popular characters, including Tom Riddell, aka Lord Voldemort, as well as the Potters, Professor McGonagall and Alastor Moody. Next door to the graveyard is George Heriot’s School that may have inspired Hogwarts.

There are many other beautiful places, of course. Edinburgh Castle is lovely, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse is a very interesting place to tour and see an actual royal house as King Charles III still maintains it as a residence when he is in town, and the royal family gathers there regularly. And Rosslyn Chapel, famous from “The Da Vinci Code” is worth a visit. It is a ways out of the city, but it is such a lovely place.

We also spent a day in Glasgow touring the city and distilleries. Perhaps not as charming as Edinburgh, but the painted murals all over the city walls are captivating.

1. Bagpiper 2. Edinburgh Castle 3. Magical Tea at the Department of Magic 4. Harry Potter map of Edinburgh 5. St. Giles Cathedral 6. Greyfriars Kirk 7. Palace of Holyroodhouse 8. Afternoon Tea 9. Rosslyn Chapel 10. Glasgow Cathedral 11. Glasgow mural 12. Glenkinchie distillery

The Maker’s Muse Opening Reception 2025

13 Thursday Feb 2025

Posted by in Exhibitions

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What an amazing night! The Opening Reception of The Maker’s Muse exhibition was January 31 at Grapevine Tower Gallery in Grapevine, Texas. The exhibition features artwork created by member of the American Society of Photographers, and it is truly a stunning collection. Many of the artists came to town to attend the event, and a Grapevine City Councilman even came to speak. I am honored to have two pieces hanging in this gallery.

“What would you do if you could not fail?”

10 Monday Feb 2025

Posted by in Leadership, Publications

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This is my Jan/Feb President’s Message published in “The Photographer” magazine.

“What would you do if you could not fail?”

Happy New Year! Welcome to 2025! What a wonderful year it will be! Have you considered what you want to accomplish this year? I know we all get so busy in the last few months of the year that January seems to be the best time to relax and sleep. Of course, rest up while you have some down time so you can be ready to go come spring. But, while you are resting and rejuvenating your body and mind, it is time to look forward and set some goals.

“What would you do if you could not fail?” I heard this in a class several years ago, and it resonated with me. I wrote it down in my notebook. I repeated it to myself over the next few months when I considered my next steps. I even bought a paperweight with the words engraved on it to sit on my desk as a daily reminder. And I knew what I wanted to do.

Some of you know me, but many of you may not. I photographed weddings and portraits for more than a dozen years (and still do, occasionally). Families were nice, newborns were challenging, and weddings were my favorite. The beauty of the ceremony, the romance of the vows, the love between the bride and groom … and my reward for a job well done was always a slice of cake! It was great, but exhausting.

However, my passion has always been photographing places. My husband and I travel a lot, and my favorite thing to photograph has always been the places we visit. I have also always had a strong love for animals. It was only natural that all these things would come together, and I started photographing more landscapes and wildlife. During a class about fine art imagery, I had an epiphany. What if my work was shown in art galleries? What if I had my own gallery to display my work? And then doubt creeped in … what if I am not good enough?

I repeated my new mantra again. “What would you do if you could not fail?” And I jumped in to my newest photography adventure: Wanderlust Fine Artistry. I created a new brand, built a new website, decided what specific product I wanted to create for collectors, and the kinds of images I would sell. During the pandemic, I started sending my work to art galleries all over the world to be considered for their exhibitions. The response was very positive, and the work I am creating has never felt more rewarding.

I wanted to share this story to encourage you to have no fear this year. Maybe this quote can be your new mantra. Or maybe there is another quote that inspires you. Whatever is motivating you, I challenge you to listen to it and start acting on it. Think outside the box. Consider doing something you have always dreamed of doing. It is okay if it is scary, different, and challenging. It is okay if you fail. Failure is part of growth; you learn something from the journey, and you get back up to try again.

Take the Challenge: Get Out of Your Comfort Zone.

I cannot wait to see what you accomplish! Share with me at Shawna.Hinkel@gmail.com.

Shawna Hinkel, M.Photog., CPP
TPPA President