One of the most exciting things about being a photographer is that you can be part of history. You can capture a moment in picture form and display it for years to come. Essentially, you can give an image a story that will last a lifetime. I recently was able to experience this satisfaction when I attended an important event that revealed the development of Tatum’s Garden.
The concept of Tatum’s Garden is a fully accessible, all-inclusive play area for children of all abilities. The playground will be constructed in the Salinas Valley, and it will provide a place for all children to interact and be included regardless of their capabilities. Families in the Monterey Bay area will have a safe zone where they can come together and experience a sense of community.
It’s the community base of Tatum’s Garden that made me want to be part of the reveal event. The playground is being designed and built by the community, and donations for its construction are coming from area residents. Inspired by those who participated in giving life to the idea, I wanted to donate my time and talents by photographing the celebratory event.
There is nothing comparable to the heartfelt emotion that comes from photographing a life-changing moment. Being able to use my own artistic interpretations to tell the story of Tatum’s Garden was my gift to the community. One photo at a time, I was able to portray the depth and significance of the project so that community members would have something to get excited over.
I’m privileged to have been part of this great cause. There is no better way I could have honored the community than to capture the exhilaration of the unveiling. The playground is being conceptualized by creative designers, but the local children have a say as well. I believe the result will be an innovative and unique playground that is as exceptional as the children who visit it.
As a photographer, I have the opportunity to witness incredible sights and share my glimpses of the world with others. The journey of designing, developing and presenting Tatum’s Garden is an extraordinary one, and I am pleased to have been able to chronicle part of the adventure. If a picture is truly worth a thousand words, the image of Tatum’s Garden will be an epic tale.