My grandfather loved Oregon and Salt Creek Falls. This picture was taken on my first trip to the falls after my grandfather had passed away, his land in Oregon having been sold several years before that. I was still learning the ropes of photography and spent most of the trip out to Oregon learning as much as I could about the craft. With a location this lush, I knew I would be able to capture a beautiful picture, but that’s not what stands out to me about this photo or the falls anymore. When my family arrived at my grandfather’s old place it was the new owners who welcomed us warmly. They invited us to take our time enjoying the place, and to experience it with a fresh perspective. These people didn’t have to be such gracious hosts. They could have told us to hurry up, snap some pictures, and get out. Their natural hospitality made an already beautiful landscape become truly memorable. It was through their openness and acceptance that I was able to build new appreciation for the falls and the Oregon countryside. Isn’t that what most people really need? A piece of kindness in the form of a welcome greeting, mutual understanding, and a little respect? The value and beauty of this place increased for me as a result of the people who I was surrounded by when I was there. I knew when I went to Oregon I wanted to capture beautiful photos. What I didn’t know was that in the process I would grow to love a place even more, not for the photogenic landscape, but for the people who made the trip worthwhile. I share this story because the people we surround ourselves with in our daily lives matters. The kindness we show to each person we pass, even in the form of simple smiles or positive words, leaves an imprint on lives when we least expect it. Take a moment to think back on the memories that matter most to you, the memories that changed your views on yourself and your circumstances. I can almost guarantee you that in those memories are people who showed an interest in you, a warmth, or a special connection. When I look at this photo I’m reminded that our surroundings bring beauty but it’s people who deliver meaning.