I first met Shirley in the dog park walking our dogs. I always enjoyed our easy long conversations while we appreciated nature and the opportunity to play with and watch our dogs enjoy their freedom. Often with camera in hand Shirley would take beautiful pictures of our dog Gypsy and the world around us. Being the generous and thoughtful person she was she would often send these pictures to me.
I met Shirley in October 2010, when she took photos of my then airedale terrier Maia. When Maia passed in May 2012 (4 years old), I told Shirley that her touching photos got me through a very rough period. To this day, I find solace and joy in those photos.
We were strangers when she messaged me - asking if she could take photos of me painting. Although amusingly enough, we never got around to that shoot, we had many others; filled with laughter, spontaneity and bonding over creativity.
During a hike togther, I asked Shirley where her passion for photography came and she answered, "I want to make the world a more beautiful place, to capture the beauty I see and share it with others through my photos." She succeeded with this in her work but it was Shirley herself who was the beautiful light that made the world a better place. She will be missed beyond words.
