We have a world wide pandemic, yet can’t agree, to protect each other, and wear masks.

We finally understand what #BLACKLIVESMATTER means, yet we struggle to find common direction on how to fix the systemic problems that landed us where we are today. We argue over broken windows, rather than senseless deaths.

We have had a year, and it’s only June.

Because of this pandemic, PRIDE celebrations are mostly “virtual”. Just a year post Stonewall’s 50th, we witness a victory in employment equality from an aforethought very conservative court. Yet, we fall short of full equal rights. Further, transgender people, especially those of color, are still being senselessly murdered.

So, to say we have opportunity, to do better, is an understatement.

For myself, I have to learn more, educate myself, and learn how to participate in a way that moves us forward. I acknowlege my privilege as a Mexican woman, with a very white name. I am a married straight cisgendered woman that lives in suburbia, votes blue, but hasn’t really done anything noteworthy to progress these issues beyond donations and votes. I need to truly help the world move foward and be part of it.

Fact is, while I believe racism is wrong, I need to learn to be: anti racist.

While I show up to Pride parades yearly, I don’t truly comprehend the continued fight for rights, that I take for granted, daily. Ranting and yelling about it inside the confines of my suburban home, does nothing. Posting this blog does little, but perhaps hold myself to self account, privileged as it may be.

Here’s a few things I plan to do more of, grow –
– Read books like “How To Be An Antiracist”
– Buy more from black businesses, like The Pottle
– Find people to learn from via social media, like Zerlina Maxwell
– Discoverer more organizations to contribute to that want to fight for equality like The Human Rights Campaign

Learn more, do more, be more.

I leave you with this pre COVID gallery of Pride 2019, that I processed, yet never blogged – it all seems, so very, long ago. May we meet again next year, hopefully at a sunny (or cloudy) PRIDE celebration. May we vote to progress human rights, work to end racism, and beat this pandemic.

Peace & Love, humans.

LGBTQIA rights are Human Rights
#BLACKLIVESMATTER

For all years past – links here (2008-2017)

This year, the images…I shot from the Westlake bleachers, it was a little shady, light wise, but alas brought a glow as needed.

This years festivities began, not unlike the last few…with the holier than thou protest, met by Queens. This year, the perfect diffuse antidote was a furry stalking with an arrow “GAY AF” sign, #enoughsaid.

…And about an hour in, we had a “pause” due to a #BlackLivesMatter protest – for 30 minutes in reverence. I was out of image range, in opposing riser, about a half block away, where police were hesitantly looking on. The parade emcee Queens in charge were able to help diffuse, allow us all to listen and peaceably give address to the protest. Well done Seattle. Because Black Lives DO Matter. It’s real, and whether we pause for 30 minutes or kneel as we listen to bombs blasting in air, we endeavor to be and do better. To that, I pledge allegiance.

So, onto the Wonder. Love, delayed as it maybe (sorry!)…Be that as it may, I do dedicate the love here, and the wonder, to all of those that are still recovering from horrible forces of nature and unconscionable forces of man…I pray in love and peace for all to see the Wonder of many tomorrows.

Pride and Strength march on. The following is brought to you by the small but mighty (thanks to the rented 55-140 2.8) Fuji X-T20, and maybe a wee iPhone shot or two-ish…

~Slideshow(click for Full Screen)~

With all the events that have abounded in the world of late, it’s important to remember what will triumph, what must.

Seattle Pride – Love is always felt at this event, and all the similar pride parades and festivals that happen all over the world every June…The rainbows shine, and the sheer love bonds us all. Pride parade is demonstration of all that is good, open and free amongst us. It is my favorite demonstration. I feel like it is all about promoting positivity and love. I admit I prefer this approach that always feels inclusive, and fun. I love to capture the joy and love every year.

Reflections in rainbow of years past – 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015…

And 2016, reflections of the love we send out. With love, Seattle.

#LoveWins…this was the hashtag that I used, instictively, the morning of the SCOTUS ruling ensuring marriage equality from sea to shining sea in the United States. For those opposed, it was controversial and mystifying. For the rest of us, the masses, we can celebrate, because, as it should #LoveWins.

Just 2 days after this landmark decision that guarantees marriage rights for all, Seattle Pride took it’s turn in the sun, to celebrate, to love, to bask in the glory. Even if it actually was a little over cast, the sun shown through. In this most recent set I pushed the exposure just a little further than is technically appropriate – purposefully. Love it, hate it, it is my artistic commentary on how I saw this day. For years past – enjoy the Pride Archives.

For now, join me in the afterglow – #LoveWins.

Pride 2015 – Images by Elisa Sherman

Oddly, even our first unsuccessful run at the Super Bowl, didn’t penetrate, for me. I didn’t care, and barely paid attention. But something changed this year. It was some sort of odd unrecognizable energy in the air here in Seattle. Some will say it was the 12th man. Others, the Legion of Boom. I don’t know. I only know, that I started seeing these card board cut outs around the office of this guys head. I had to presume it was a Seahawk – with dreds, and sign saying Richard Sherman. Odd. Funny that a player basically had my dad’s name. Eventually, my curiousity and the news of the winning made me start turning on the games as filler while I would sit working on other things on Sundays. Then watching it seriously as the season, and the playoffs were becoming a reality. Ulitimately, caring if we had won enough to get the desired home field advantage. Clearly I was firmly back on the #bandwagon. With each playoff game, we believed. The NFC championship was almost unbelievable. To that final tip, I didn’t know what would happen, but it was like we couldn’t lose – and then, we didn’t. And it was the Super Bowl. Gathered around with friends and party food…we sat down to watch, the pregame, listen to all the commentators say how good the Seahawks were, but hey, Peyton would probably carry the Broncos to victory. Eye rolls all around. Then the game. And O.M.G. Now I know for those not Seahawks fans, it was probably the worse game ever; either boring or heartbreaking. But for Seattle – it was simple. It was euphoric. Screaming at every score, every interception, every run, every catch. It was both stunning yet completely unsurprising at some level, for those fans, the now famous 12th man, that had believed from the beginning. So, with the excitement not abating even after watching endless coverage post game, and basking in the afterglow for a few days, I donned my warmest layers, and worked my way to a good viewing spot just north of Westlake, north of the corner at 4th Ave and Stewart – and waited. Waited for an extra hour as the victory parade got a late start. Waited as my toes started screaming, and my fingertips icy. And then they were there, Mr. Skittles leading the charge, the party. And I clicked. Love you Seattle, Love you Seahawks. Love you Dad – this ones for you.

– and the full set of images –
Seahawks Super Bowl Victory Parade 2-5-2014 – Images by Elisa Sherman

For one, my photography has found a role within my life that is decidely less serious. I am a fan of images, first… An image maker, creating what has inspired or crossed my path.

Some music images have continued to make their way to my sensor, through the lenses…along with some gorgeous seascapes, glorious crystalline ice bergs, and a reappreciation for the fact,that it isn’t he camera you have, rather the camera you have with you, be it the 5d2 or my iPhone.

After all, the phone camera, you have, likely, with you all the time, so when an image appears by happenstance, in front of you, snap…the ultimate snapshot device as it were…

I have several this year, around town, on vacation, it is, image making at will, unplanned, and uncontrived – perhaps of quality, perhaps, just pure fun. Digital has made image capturing, the recording of pixels, a matter of course for pretty much everyone. And as a fan of images, I do not pretend to be above that fray…

Of course, the big heavy mark II got many a click, and as of a week or so ago, finally a sensor cleaning…

Some of my favorite images, landscape, life and beyond, not excluding music…

And with that, 2012 images are but a pixelated record in time…Adieu.

Each year, the imagery I see, is so full of joy, hope, and love.  Of course, various themes jump out, with different ones seeming to magically pop through and tell different stories each year…

Whether it’s purposeful from the parades standpoint, or just me seeing things differently or more likely a combination of the two…there really is something new every year, even if the same faces often make annual appearances…

This year, and in each year previous, I see the drum beat for marriage equality come through most strongly. This is the pulse, moreso now, staring down an election year – and Washington State is right in the mix with R74 United for Marriage Act. I guess, love is political? While I am not sure it should have to be, my hope is that the energy, the colors and joy, is something we can celebrate everyday.

For Seattle Pride images from years past, 2008, 2009, 2010 & 2011.

This year…enjoy, love…

~ Full Archive Slideshow ~
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But it was a gorgeous weekend in Seattle – so if you were here – it was a great time to get out and enjoy something local – ergo, I did. I was supposed to find a friend that was playing there – but for the life of me, I couldn’t figure out where…the place was teaming – bunches of Seattlites were there – running around the fountain, consuming the fair food, lazing in the sun, taking in the music on the stages, and street performers of all types (music and otherwise) along all the walkways…It was fabulous – a perfect seattle day (and weekend) to be out at Seattle Center taking in the bliss.

And so I did…camera in hand. I decided to focus on the life over the stages – if that makes sense. From the kids running around, folks lazing under the sun, street performers doing whatever they do, playing for tips, etc…it was perfection, this day.

Take a look –

Full set gallery archive from the day

Northwest Folklife Festival 2012 5-26-2012 – Images by Elisa Sherman