Surrender©RGallucci Photography <br/> www.rgallucci.com <br/> ----- <br/>Shoot Date: August 25, 2020<br/>Canon EOS 5D Mark IV | EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM | f/8.0 | ¹⁄₁₀₀₀ sec | ISO 640 The life of a hummingbird is not easy. At only about an inch long, they are one of the most aggressive of all bird species. One has only to put out a few feeders in their yard to watch the bird's constant battles for the life-sustaining nectar they hold.

While going through some images captured this past August, I came across this classic example of their constant struggle. When I saw it, my first thought was that the Rufous Hummingbird flying backward was saying, "I surrender!" However, knowing these birds, I am sure it was just adjusting its position to re-attempt its pursuit of the feeder. 

Life can present us with times when we feel we need to surrender. Tormentors may try to intimidate us to prevent us from what we need. At times like that, holding tightly to faith and taking a step back to regroup before moving forward to persevere can be the best strategy. 

I remain his scribe. 

Surrender
©RGallucci Photography
www.rgallucci.com
FB: RGallucciPhotography (If you like the photo, please like my page)
IG: RGallucci
Sharing permitted, please let me know and give credit. Use as a screen saver or background permitted if you let me know. Downloading to print expressly prohibited! Prints available by request
We have two 2021 calendars available this year. Ask about them for more information
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Shoot Date: August 25, 2020
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV | EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM | f/8.0 | ¹⁄₁₀₀₀ sec | ISO 640

Orion Nebula 2020Orion Nebula 2020
©RGallucci Photography
www.rgallucci.com
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Shoot Date: October 13, 2020
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV | EF300mm f/4L IS USM | f/8.0 | 60.0 sec | ISO 2000

Past the tremendous eternal abyss of space, somewhere, is an island that lives without time or boundary. Ruled by a benevolent creator, it is the paradise we are called home to when our time on this planet has finished. It is where my Dad has finally reunited with my Mom, brothers, and sister. 

As I search the endless night sky in wonder at the beauty surrounding our small blue-green marble, I often ponder where that island is. And then it occurs to me that if I let go of the limitations of my mind and imagine the power of an omnipresent lord, I will have the answer. It exists everywhere, in everything, in a dimension that is both separate and always here.  While I cannot touch this wondrous world where those that have passed now reside, my soul can. In my soul, so long as I remember, I am with them all. 

Today I fly to New York to lay his remains to rest. But that is just the part of him that existed here. Through my sadness and grief, I must try to remember that the better part of him is free of the pain, free of the confusion, and free of the longing for those who traveled ahead of him. 

I remain his scribe.

Orion Nebula
©RGallucci Photography
www.rgallucci.com
FB: RGallucciPhotography (If you like the photo, please like my page)
IG: RGallucci
Sharing permitted, please give credit. Use as a screen saver or background permitted if you let me know. Downloading to print expressly prohibited! Prints available by request
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Shoot Date: October 13, 2020
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV | EF300mm f/4L IS USM | f/8.0 | 60.0 sec | ISO 2000
60 Light Frames tracked on iOptron Sky Guider Pro
20 Dark Frames

A Passage in the WildernessA Passage in the Wilderness
©RGallucci Photography
www.rgallucci.com
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Shoot Date: October 9, 2020
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV | 15mm | f/8.0 | 239.0 sec | ISO 400

Stalwart sentinels from a long-ago era, the hoodoos at Chiricahua National Monument stand in eternal attention. Like stone soldiers, they remain in constant salute, a proud testimonial to their stewardship of the land they embrace. I was to this sacred ground I traveled last evening, to pay homage to the memory of the marine who is my father.

I knew in advance the shot that called to me. Amid those towering statues was a valiant hoodoo with a tabletop cap that stood apart from the others in its countenance. It was a place where the pathway of angles could rest, a respite for the souls on their long journey to heavens grace. With her Siren cry, she beckoned me from our home two hours away, and I was helpless to ignore her treaty. Arriving at the parking area, I was enchanted by the lure of her promise to ease the pain of his passing and bushwacked to a spot where the picture as possible. There, alone, under the stars, in the thrall of her beauty, I allowed myself to feel. While the tears of grief I prayed for did not come, I was granted peace for a few moments. 

All have an appointment with the hereafter. It is the only one that must be kept. For those that remain behind, grieving the loss is a process. It is a process I am ill-equipped for, yet one I have had to endure twice this year. Through my words and pictures, I can share what I cannot show in my daily life. That is a blessing I am grateful for. To all those who also grieve today, I wish you peace in your journey to acceptance. Perhaps we will arrive together. 

I remain his scribe. 

Our 2021 Milky Way and Strom Chasing Workshops are now accepting reservations. Find out more here: 

Milky Way Workshops: 2021 Milky Way and Night Sky Workshops

Storm Chasing Workshops: 2021 Storm Chasing workshops

A Passage in the Wilderness
©RGallucci Photography
www.rgallucci.com
FB: RGallucciPhotography (If you like the photo, please like my page)
IG: RGallucci
Sharing permitted, please give credit. Use as a screen saver or background permitted if you let me know. Downloading to print expressly prohibited! Prints available by request
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Shoot Date: October 9, 2020
Foreground
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV | 15mm | f/8.0 | 239.0 sec | ISO 400
Sky - Tracked with iOptron Skyguider Pro
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV | 15mm | f/4.0 | 60.0 sec | ISO 1600