Why the Utah's Lakes and Reservoirs Photography Project?
"In Utah, a state of constant population growth and where breathtaking landscapes meet limited water resources, our lakes and reservoirs are more than just vital lifelines—they are sanctuaries of beauty, serenity, and connection. These bodies of water, often filled by the snowmelt from Utah’s world-renowned snow, remind us of nature's delicate balance and the importance of stewardship. Utah’s snow is often called the best in the world, thanks to the unique combination of geography, climate, and topography. It is this snow, melting each spring, that feeds our reservoirs and sustains life in our desert state.
For me, Utah’s lakes and reservoirs are not just photographic subjects; they are places of renewal and joy. Standing by the water, I feel an indescribable peace. The soft breeze brushing against my skin, the shimmering sunlight dancing across the surface, and the gentle rhythm of waves kissing the shore create a harmony that soothes the soul. It is as if nature herself wraps you in a warm embrace, inviting you to pause and simply be.
When I think back to my childhood, I remember the weekends spent by the beach or at a river with my family. Those moments felt like simple outings at the time, but looking back, I realize they were so much more. They were lessons—lessons in connection, gratitude, and the healing power of water. As life became more complicated with the responsibilities of adulthood, I drifted away from those experiences. But every time I return to a lake, a river, or the sea, I feel that same revitalizing energy that reminds me of the profound joy and simplicity nature offers.
The happiness I feel near a lake is something I hope to convey through my photography. The sight of a fisherman casting his line as the sun sets, the sound of birds skimming the surface, or the colors of the sky reflected in the water—these are moments that remind us of the beauty we are blessed to witness. And it’s not just about what we see; it’s about how it makes us feel. The water has a unique ability to calm our worries, to bring us back to the present, and to renew our spirits.
Water isn’t just essential for life; it’s essential for our emotional and spiritual well-being. Studies, like those of Masaru Emoto, show how water can be influenced by emotions and energy, and standing by a lake, you can feel that connection. You feel part of something bigger, something timeless. This understanding deepens my passion for capturing these moments through my lens.
Through this project, I want to inspire others to reconnect with water and nature, to experience that sense of peace and wonder that I feel. I want to spark conversations—not just about conservation, but about the joy and renewal we find when we immerse ourselves in the natural world.
One of my greatest dreams is to bring this project into schools. I want to present these photographs to young minds and plant the desire for a connection with nature, for an appreciation of the resources that sustain us, and for a commitment to protecting our environment. In a world increasingly disconnected from the natural world, fostering this awareness is one of the most important legacies I can hope to leave behind.
As the Psalm beautifully says, 'The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord thunders over the mighty waters.' This verse is a powerful reminder of the sacredness of water and our responsibility to honor and care for it.
Utah’s lakes and reservoirs are my canvas, but the true masterpiece is the connection they inspire in all of us—the connection to nature, to each other, and to the divine. By sharing this project, I hope to encourage others to see water not only as a resource but as a gift—a source of life, healing, and spiritual renewal that deserves our gratitude and care."
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