CMJ Creations

01/30/2025

As the world slowed down during the start of the COVID pandemic, I found solitude and vast, open spaces in Death Valley National Park. Traveling over 2,900 miles from Vermont to California in just three days, I reached this stark, beautiful desert. Under a blanket of stars, the crisp April air felt even more piercing in the silent expanse, where the usual tourist rush was conspicuously absent due to lockdowns.

The journey was both a literal and metaphorical escape from the confines of quarantine. In the emptiness of Death Valley, the only souls I encountered were fellow wanderers, each of us seeking refuge in nature’s unfathomable scale. The stark contrast of the fiery campfire against the cool desert night and the endless sky above served as a vivid reminder of the world’s hidden corners, still untouched and quietly waiting.

01/24/2025

On a recent crisp winter’s day in Montreal, I captured this serene moment along the historic streets dusted with fresh snow. The majestic architecture, highlighted by the soft sunlight and framed by winter’s touch, truly encapsulates the timeless charm of this city. The juxtaposition of the cold, stone buildings with the warm, glowing sky creates a spellbinding effect that only a winter in Montreal can offer. This city, dressed in its snowy attire, reveals a quiet, almost magical quality that invites us to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the season. What’s your favorite winter memory in a city that comes alive with the snow?

01/22/2025

In the quiet flicker of a cold night, a simple yet profound act of sharing light unfolds. This photo captures a moment where one person’s sparkler ignites another’s, a beautiful metaphor for human connection and inspiration. It’s a reminder of how our own light, however small it may seem, can spark a flame in others, bringing warmth and brilliance to the shadows.

Have you ever had a moment where someone else’s courage or kindness lit up your path in a dark time? Share your stories with us. Let’s celebrate the sparks that keep us all glowing stronger together.

01/19/2025

Magic and mischief on the eve of Christmas in Amsterdam’s vibrant Red Light District! During an 18-hour layover, despite exhaustion from a day of travel and the chilly, wet December air, I couldn’t resist capturing this captivating scene. The streets, alive with holiday lights, cast a hauntingly beautiful red glow on the tree branches overhead and mirrored their fiery hues on the canal below. As the night deepened, the energy surged; groups of lively, perhaps slightly inebriated young men roamed in search of festive encounters, adding to the wild spirit of the night. It’s nights like these—unpredictable, a little raw, and utterly alive—that remind me why I push through the weariness for the perfect shot.

01/17/2025

Captured in the enchanting city of Porto, this photograph tells a tale of profound love and commitment, illustrated through a moment shared by a couple madly in love. As they sit by the water’s edge, the shimmering reflection of the moonlight dances across the surface, mirroring their serene expressions and the vibrant red of her dress—a stark, beautiful contrast against the night. The way they gaze into each other’s eyes speaks volumes about their deep connection, a moment of pure, unfiltered emotion frozen in time. It’s magical to witness and even more so to capture such genuine expressions of love. Each photo like this is a reminder of the beauty that exists in the world, often found in the quiet moments we share with one another.

01/14/2025

In the heart of Manchester, I captured this thought-provoking piece of street art, where a surreal depiction of a naked Barbie doll entwined among Lego blocks and other children’s toys paints a striking commentary on society’s pressures and perceptions. The mural seems to critique the complex, often unrealistic standards imposed on women, wrapped in the playful but poignant symbolism of childhood innocence and adult expectations. Manchester, with its unique urban canvas, continuously offers not just art but a mirror to society, urging us to reflect on the deeper meanings behind these vibrant expressions.

01/13/2025

As night fell over Porto, the city lights began to twinkle, casting reflections like stars on the surface of the Douro River. I wandered the streets in the late hours, seeking that perfect moment when the crowds had disappeared and the light was just right. This shot of the iconic Ponte Luis bridge was the reward for my nocturnal adventures.

The stillness of the night allowed for a long exposure that captured not just the lights, but the enduring spirit of Porto. The bridge, an engineering marvel, links the past to the present with its intricate ironwork and the gentle flow of the river below.

This photograph is a testament to the beauty of Porto by night, a city that wears its history with pride and lights up the darkness with its vibrant culture.

01/09/2025

This year’s Merlinteen event was an electrifying blend of myth and spectacle. In the heart of winter, beneath a canopy of stars and amidst the falling snow, a giant wooden sculpture of Merlin, intricately crafted from tree branches and twigs, was set ablaze. This isn’t just any bonfire; it’s a ritual of storytelling and pyrotechnics, where the tale of Merlin the wizard unfolds in flames and fireworks.

As the story of Merlin was told, the air filled with anticipation and the crackling of fire. The crowd, armed with fireworks, participated in the dramatic downfall of the legendary wizard. It was a battle against the cold and the elements, with high ISO settings capturing the intense, fleeting moments of fire and light against the dark forest backdrop.

This photograph attempts to encapsulate the wild spirit of the night – a vivid, fiery struggle against the mythical Merlin. Through the lens, every spark and ember tells a story of tradition, community, and the thrill of collective myth-making. Merlin was defeated, but the magic of the night will linger in our memories, long after the last ember fades.

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01/07/2025

Sixteen hours in the Azores – just enough time to lose yourself and find something new.

I landed under the cover of night, the air thick with the promise of rain. By sunrise, the roads were still slick, and the scent of cut grass and wildflowers followed me as I drove through the hills. The wind carried the kind of quiet that makes you feel small in the best way – the kind that reminds you you’re a visitor in a place that will continue to thrive long after you’ve gone.

I wandered through the curves of the island, chasing the soft light as it stretched across fields and cliffs, each turn revealing a view more vibrant than the last. Jet lag tugged at me, but curiosity pulled harder. There’s something about traveling solo – the stillness, the vulnerability, the way you push forward even when your body begs for rest.

The Azores don’t ask for attention; they simply exist in their quiet beauty, waiting for those willing to look a little closer. I left with photographs, but more importantly, I left with the reminder that there is always something worth exploring, even if it’s just for a day.

01/05/2025

🌧️✨ Sometimes, the best shots come from the most unexpected moments.

I took this long exposure on a rainy, windy night in Blackpool, England. The streets were slick, the lights were vibrant, and the craving for classic fish and chips was real! There’s something about the way the lights reflect off the wet pavement that feels magical – even if my fingers were freezing while capturing it.

I know I’ve been a little quiet on here lately, but I’m making it a goal to share more of my photography and adventures with you all. There are so many stories behind each shot, and I can’t wait to bring you along for the ride.

Here’s to chasing light (and fish and chips) wherever the road leads. 🐟🍟📸

01/03/2025

On an 18-hour layover in Amsterdam, just before Christmas, I found myself wandering the quiet, luminous streets well into the early morning. This long-exposure shot captures the serene glow of the city under the night sky, a moment of peace amid the festive rush. The reflection of the colorful lights on the canal water feels almost magical, echoing the myriad paths I’ve traversed in my travels.

Travel has been more than a journey through spaces; it has been a profound journey within, forcing growth in ways I never anticipated. Every city, with its unique pulse and stories, has shaped me, teaching resilience, openness, and the sheer joy of discovering the unknown. Amsterdam, with its charming canals and vibrant night life, offered a moment of reflection—a beautiful pause in the relentless pace of life.

06/03/2022