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Jennifer Selbrede Photography

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Jennifer Selbrede Photography

Just my view of the world. Plain and simple.

01/11/2026

Last year was a tough year. Although too many moments were trying - stressful, heartbreaking, challenging - there were also moments of joy, happiness, and relief. I didn’t find (make) much time to get out and photograph for myself, although the events that I photographed as a volunteer were wonderful.

You all know how I feel about New Year’s resolutions. Not for me. What is for me this year is taking time to take care of myself and relearning how to fit the things I love into a busy life.

Heck, let me just call it by its name: depression is lousy. It can sneak up on you like a cougar. You can juggle just so many balls until there are to many to comprehend let alone catch. Ask for help, but realize that not everyone will hear you. Not everyone can play catch. Not everyone is willing to play catch Talking to my doctor was the hardest but smartest thing I did all year. And he heard me with great compassion.

This wasn’t what I intended my post to be, but now my pet elephant has a name.

Moving on - because that is what I need to do.

This week I ventured up to Seymour, Indiana to photograph the sandhill cranes again. My nephew Mack joined me as did my Cracker Jack assistant, all around good guy, and my groom of over 40 years, Bob. I so wanted him to experience the awe and wonder of these magnificent creatures. The weather was unseasonably warm much to our happiness. At one point we were witness to a fly by of wave after wave of flocks coming into the fields for the day. So many birds that they were impossible to count.

Two days later I stopped again with Mack and a new to me lens. Seriously, we had to test it out. I’d say it passed.

This is a reminder to all of you to get out there and spread your wings. Don’t let the stressors of life push you so far into a corner that it seems like the door to fresh air is a million miles away. Get your checkups. Find your people. Love the ones you’re with and those who live far away. And don’t fear asking for a hug. You might get a good one!

08/11/2025

I added another National Park to my "Been To" list. Although we camped in a small campground on North Carolina side of The Great Smoky Mountains NP, it was a big experience and truly one of the most relaxing weekends I have ever had. Our itinerary consisted of celebrating my oldest son's landmark birthday and that was it. Surrounded by friends and family, everyone did their own thing, hikes, drives, and sits.

My brother in law, Tom, took me on a tour of the Cataloochee area, a place where the Good Lord reached down from the heavens and gently carved a hint of what heaven just may consist of.

Getting a tour of one of Tom's favorite places in the world is like riding with Curt Gowdy in Montana. His knowledge and love for it is inspiring. Our expectations were low as we were cruising around during late morning so chances were that most of the animals would be hunkered down for a nap or hiding deep in the brush.

But, lo! What should appear in an open field but this magnificent fellow who looked like he had recently shed his velvet. Undeterred by our presence (we kept our distance) he grazed on the freshly mown grass, watched as a family rode by on their bicycles and motorized scooters (Hats off to you Gramma and Grampa!), and then settled in the shade.

He chewed on whatever and shut his eyes quite possibly preparing for the rut next month, knowing that the young, handsome bull elk in the next little valley would be of little concern to him as he gathered up his harem.

This guy exuded confidence. What is it that they say about the Honey Bader? That was this guy.

We had such a wonderful weekend. I had all of my kids with me and wonderful people that I know and love. One day we will see more of the park, but for now, I am holding dear my visit to this little slice of paradise and the grand tour that I was so lucky experience.

Thanks bunches and bunches, Tom!

02/19/2025

I am no stranger to turkey vultures. Their presence in the desert is necessary, their arrival marking time and the seasons.

During the storm here in Kentucky on Saturday night/Sunday morning a flock took refuge in the tall pine in my backyard. Turkey vultures and black vultures hunkered down in the 2.5" of torrential rain that then turned to inches of snow. By morning these guys had a tough time gaining any good air. They were soaked from the rain and most of them had clumps of snow clinging to them. They tried in vain to warm up their wings, assuming the body builder pose. Watching them try to fly was almost heartbreaking. With each attempt I could feel myself leaning left or right and perching on my toes as if I could give them some lift. One perched on my neighbor's shepherd's crook in a precarious display of big bird balance. Most spent much of the day on the ground. I watched as two finally just walked down the alley. I expected to see a wing and feather emerge like a hitchhiker. At least they were walking south.

These creatures have such a bad reputation depending on the species. Watching these magnificent birds preen, removing the water and snow accumulation on their feathers reminds me that no matter how big you are, "bad" you are, or high you might be on the pecking order, Mother Nature may throw a wrench in your travel plans.

The next day even though the temperatures were bitterly cold, the sun shone. Dried and rid of the snow "clingers", they warmed up and easily returned back to the skies, quite possibly sharing stories of the Winter of '25.

11/21/2024

My plans for this morning changed so I decided a visit to the river and some of my favorite trees was on tap.

Frigid temperatures rolled in over night bringing with it gray clouds, snow flurries and a biting wind. The colors of autumn are still hanging on for a little while at least. I am reminded that on days that are dreary, there is still a punch of color waiting to be seen; a reminder of the brilliant days of spring, summer and autumn.

You just have took for it, grab hold of it, and hold it close to your heart until the gloriousness returns, because it will.

11/06/2024

It is a wonderfully peaceful morning here. I am in the attic with my Beasty Boys, processing images from this weekend's Day of the Dead. The birds are flittering in the trees. The squirrels are dodging rain drops and collecting acorns. The rain has assisted some of the trees in their annual shed. I hear to occasional swish of tires on wet asphalt as the outside world continues to move about.

My world continues to be regardless of the clamor emitting from the radio, the television and the computer.

This morning in the quiet I think of my friends, as varied as the colors of the dresses that continue to dance before my eyes even when they are shut.

I pray for my family, my friends, my street, my neighborhood, my new town and my old home town. I pray for my country and the world.

Lord, make me a channel of your peace in my home and my community, in my car on the roads, in my encounters with those I meet. Wrap us in your tender care. Remind me to love my neighbor and for me to realize who that is, today and every day.

10/28/2024

Autumn is in full swing along the Ohio River. The Andrew R. Golding of the Golding Barge Line makes its way downriver. Westport, Kentucky is one of my favorite places to have a "sit and watch". On this particular morning, we were treated to the passing of 3 barges. It's always a treat to see these.

10/14/2024

I love night photography whether it is in town or out in the countryside. There is a stillness that nurtures my soul. When I am out in nature during the night I am reminded how small I am, but even though that may be, I am not unnoticed or forgotten by someone, something that is greater than me. I look up into the heavens at the moon, the stars and the occasional comet and my mind ponders the enormity of the universe. Where does it end? Is there a wall somewhere like the glass of a snow globe? I would like to think that if that is the case, it is held gently in some very steady, loving hands.

The Universe works in mysterious ways.

Tonight while parked on the side of the road I came to the realization that someone I know was also parked there about 25 yards behind me. Although I had not seen her in quite some time, I think the Universe had planned for us to see each other tonight. Mary and I will meet there again tomorrow evening to view the comet and talk photography and tail-less squirrels and foxes and owls that winter over in the fields that surrounded us.

Yes, the Universe works in ways we cannot fathom, and it reminds us that we and our random encounters are not insignificant. As Lonnie Littlebird would way, "Um-hmmm. Yes, it is so."

09/23/2024

A sneak peek of the Saturday night event of the Corn Island Storyteller weekend. What an incredible evening filled with amazing talent. Jasmin Cardenas and Andy Offutt Irwin had us all on the edges of our seats. We were treated to a preview of what we can expect on Dia de Los Mu***os on November 2.

Such an honor to photograph this event. I can't wait until next year!

09/21/2024

What a privilege to photograph the Burgoo Bash for the Oldham County History Center. After a hiatus Corn Island Storytelling has returned, now in La Grange, Kentucky. What a wonderful evening with the incredible Jasmin Cardenas and Andy Offutt Irwin and their priceless stories. The fun continues today, Saturday Sept 21 at The Springs Pavilion and City Place in historic downtown La Grange.

And the Burgoo was delicious!!

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