Linda, her very first time seriously holding a camera—one of mine. Knowing how much she loves animals, I took her to a park known for its squirrels. First the birds arrived, giving her time to learn the basics: point, focus, shoot. Step by step. An hour later, after spotting her first squirrel, I handed her a better lens. And there she was, smiling behind the camera. Lesson one: have fun.

#Photography #LearningPhotography #WildlifePhotography #Squirrels #BirdPhotography #NaturePhotography #PhotographyMentor #CanonPhotography #Telephoto #BeginnerPhotographer #CreativeJourney #NatureLovers #InTheField #OutdoorPhotography #AnimalLovers #TeachingPhotography #FirstSteps #PhotographyLife #PointAndShoot #NatureObservation #FieldMoments #BehindTheScenes #HappyPhotographer #WildlifeMoments #CreativeGrowth #ThroughTheLens #ByMaikeldeBakker #MaikeldeBakkerPhotography #WonderingLens

Ten years after starting this website, I submitted the manuscript for my first ever poetry collection. Whatever happens, I will be working publishing the collection with a special gift for my Patreon subscribers. Read all about it! #creativewriting #poetry #ramble #firststeps

http://thecasualramble.com/2026/04/08/manuscript-mania/

A Casual Update: Midweek Manuscript Mania

Ten years after starting this website, I have submitted the manuscript for my first ever poetry collection. And, as a special celebration for the ten-year anniversary of The Casual Ramble, I have a…

The Casual Ramble
Finding depth in the stillness. A quiet moment shared between lens and soul. Learning to see the world in shades of gray, one frame at a time.
.
.
.
#monochrome #dogportrait #visualstorytelling #firststeps #blackandwhitephotography #photography #monochrome #animalphotography #blackandwhite #artistic #lowkey #nature #dogsofpixelfed

"To bring about change, you must not be afraid to take the first step. We will fail when we fail to try."

Rosa Parks

#quoteoftheday #FirstSteps #OneStepAtATime #Change #Resist