Today’s feature story, along with photographs, is provided courtesy of the inimitable and hugely talented, Kim Pace, of Kim Pace Photography, from Long Island, New York.

Before I provide Kim’s biography in her own words, I feel compelled to provide readers with my interpretation of her amazing and visually stunning photography.

Her images always have a fine touch of humanity, with technical grace and sophistication, but always tell us—the viewers–a story, at a time in space, and a space in time, reserved for only a few select artists like Kim, who are able to produce a palette of colors, light, line, and hue, with her fine selection of both subject and topic; finely textured and wrapped within a single image.

For that, alone, I’m in awe of Kim. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that we share a lot in common:

Both of us are mothers, professionals, and photographers. Although we live on opposite sides of the coasts, our common passion of the photographic and written arts is the least of our similarities. It’s the glue that makes us relate to one another. It’s a journey that I hope to share with Kim for a long, long time.

About Kim Pace

Photography has been an act of discovery for me. I shoot with my heart and try to capture the tiny moments that create a story. As a mother to two young boys I know all too well how fast time flies. I try to carry my camera at all times so I can capture the perfect moments and the not so perfect moments. Happy accidents are usually the best photos.

Bayard Cutting Arboretum

This spring season has not been very kind for us Long Islanders.  It appears that April Showers theory was being put to very good use.  Sitting around last Wednesday night I turned to my husband and confessed, “I really need a day with my camera.”  So, last Thursday on my day off from work I decided after dropping the kids off at daycare I was going to take the entire morning and shoot.

My husband suggested the The Bayard Cutting Arboretum.  Living on Long Island my entire life it is sad to say I have never been to this park. I arrived at 10:00 when they opened and did not leave until a little after noon.  If I had brought some snacks to munch on I can assure you I would have stayed longer.  It was that beautiful.

The weather was a cool 70, and the flowers and trees where still waking up from the winter, but what filled me with joy was the pure peace I was at just wondering around a new place.

The Bayard Cutting Arboretum is a New York State Park which comprises approximately 690 acres along the Connetquot River.

The Bayard Cutting Arboretum, was donated to the Long Island State Park Region by Mrs. William Bayard Cutting and her daughter, Mrs. Olivia James, in memory of William Bayard Cutting,

Along with the Bayard Cutting Arboretum, there’s also a 5 nature walk throughout its grounds.

Upon the family’s philanthropic donation, they stated the following as their main reason for such a huge and generous civic donation:

"To provide an oasis of beauty and quiet for the pleasure, rest and refreshment of those who delight in outdoor beauty; and to bring about a greater appreciation and understanding of the value and importance of informal planting."

No matter the city or town that you currently reside in, by Travelin’ Local, Kim has shown us her neighborhood in a breathtaking manner during her respite from her daily routine.