LeeAnne McInnis

I grew up in Port Huron in the most amazing place surrounded on four sides by two parks; a small, but magical woods; and beautiful Lake Huron. My parents were both creative and loved the outdoors. My father built his own sailboat and took me sailing in summer. He always loved (and still does) to build things, dance, sing, cook and write poems. I was convinced for a time that my mother could leap tall buildings, she was so versatile. She wrote poems, painted, taught art, did calligraphy, and sewed wonderfully. She was a gardener and floral arranger. She truly could make a silk purse from any old ear. She was lovely, witty and intelligent and I was in awe of her! In spite of her physical beauty and talent, my mother never understood her gifts and always felt like she had to audition for others. Having these parents was a grand gift to me because I inherited their versatility and gave it my own spin. I also learned to work on my self-esteem and spirituality very early.

I always loved writing and still think of it as my most treasured gift. I write for Blueroot and feel very grateful to have that opportunity. At the moment I am working on completing the number of poems required to submit for publication. I need at least fifty poems that I feel good about. Im almost there.

When I became a mom, I was determined to learn photography. My son’s early school pictures were enough to convince me that I could do better. I took classes on weekends and at night and read every book I could find at the time. I took thousands of pictures and keep track of errors. I started on an old Canon AE 1, using only manual settings.

My jobs as a reading teacher, and later running a school at St. Clair County Jail were very demanding and required much patience. After 33.7 years, I decided it was time to stop that part of my life do some things my spirit had been longing for. Besides Studio 1219, my volunteer efforts have included Blue Water Folk Society, the group that brings Thumbfest to life; Blueroot; sailing on the Highlander Sea; and work on various local art shows.

I am fortunate to have art, music and humor in my life because of my amazing son who is one of the Juxtaposers, and my husband who is a genuinely funny man and a talented photographer. He is also the hunky guy who taught me how to use my digital camera and Photoshop. My cup runneth over with gratitude! 

Below is a mini essay on photography that I wanted to share. I originally wrote it for our camera club website:

Nothing is constant. Each moment brings change. As the sun moves across the sky, light shifts. There is forever a new environment; a fresh canvas to shoot. A photographer is a chronicler of sort… recording a moment in time. She keeps a moment alive. A photographer looks at the world as if always looking through the lens of a camera. He notices the way a vine curves around the stem of a flower or the way the light hits boats floating in a harbor. A photographer learns to see rather than just look. She seeks what inspires; what stirs the soul and finds it. A photographer is fascinated with all life has to offer. His vision is made manifest in a photograph.

The art of photography is more than an expression of self. The goal is to record a moment and at the same time express oneself as a part of that moment. It is a way to share a perception: “See through my eyes for a moment.” Like any art form, photography is a way to connect with others; and to leave something of self behind. Most importantly, it is a opportunity to collaborate with the great, wide mystery that unfolds before us each day. When well-done, a photograph is a piece of that mystery that you can hold in your hands. Being a photographer is making the choice to love the world.