Ron Levy Photography, Adventure Travel images worldwide, Alaska ,Thailand, Ecuador, Mexico, Africa, India, Antarctica Belize, Hawaii, Caribbean, Galapagos, Palau, Bahamas

Most of us need to feel some sort of acknowledgement of our existence. We need to know that we are not only appreciated for who we are, but that someone or some company or even an animal cares about us. The link to a 'matrix' seems archetypal and necessary for our health.

The next level of connection is a search for meaning, for fulfillment. We like to feel that our life is unique, that we make someone else's life happy, and/or that we help move the world forward in some way. This ambition to improve ourselves and the lives of those we care about seems to be part of the fabric of our humanity.

I have found this common desire all over the globe. It can be seen in the eyes of poor people in third world countries, and well-to-do people in first world countries. Recognizing and acknowledging this commonality can help smooth over communication barriers, and egos.

Photography has been my wedge into this universal. Whether shooting for someone else or my own projects, I always value the whole experience more than the actual shooting, or the subsequent presentation of the image. My obsession with photography is really a deeper addiction to connect and interact with people and animals on some mutual level, with the additional hope each time of coming one step closer to that elusive "dragon's tail" -- what exactly it is that gives us reason to shout for joy after experiencing a great moment.

Henry David Thoreau spent two years living in the woods by himself at Walden Pond to "live deliberately...and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived". He found meaning in his life by living close to nature, away from social "distractions". Others find their meaning in the midst of social distractions. And still others find it through animals and spiritual rituals.

Originally, this project began as a gallery exhibition organized into four categories -- People, Animals, Earth, Spirit. (click on any for a short summary). It received a lot of buzz, and has opened many avenues of discussion with viewers. Click here for our new BLOG!, see what others are saying, and contribute your thoughts.

I hope you find these images relevant in some way to your own life, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Ron Levy