Capturing the hidden secrets of a beautiful flower or a swallowtail butterfly as the macro lens reveals greater and greater detail of its creation is the most exciting and fulfilling part of photography to BJ Chatham. “I thank God that He gave me an appreciation for the beauty of nature and an eye that is always searching for the next special photo op, whether it means silently seeking out the newest bloom in my garden, meandering along a woodland trail , or gazing at a mountain vista or rocky stream.”
Born in Lincoln Co., GA, BJ Chatham grew up and was educated in Atlanta. She married and had one son. Working fulltime and raising her son kept her very busy. Then her mother, Florie, died unexpectedly, and she spent time caring for her Dad. During this time, her 20-year marriage failed. From the time her mother died, BJ had a dream of honoring her mother’s memory in some way, but she had no idea how, and her responsibilities to her family had to come first.
In 1983 BJ was blessed to meet and marry Jim Chatham. He came with three wonderful almost grown children. BJ found that life could be wonderful again– but still too many responsibilities for creativity — honoring her mother’s memory would have to wait. But that dream was still there.
Jim and BJ called Jacksonville, FL home for over 20 years. They had a happy life, and their family grew to include seven precious grandchildren. Family and a career kept BJ busy. Still, that idea floated around in her head that she must find a way to honor her mother’s memory. Florie was just too special to be forgotten.
BJ’s passion for photography began in earnest in 1988 when Jim gave her a Minolta 35mm and she began photographing everything, especially landscapes and seascapes. In 2002, she gave Jim a pocket digital camera, but Jim never got a chance to use it. BJ had been bitten by the digital bug.
In 1997, Jim and BJ discovered the awesome North Georgia Mountains and built a cabin on Fightingtown Creek in McCaysville near Blue Ridge, GA. Five years later, after experiencing serious health problems, the couple retired to the cabin.
Life on the creek bank offered BJ an endless photo shoot—peaceful pastoral and mountain scenes, whitewater rushing over river rock, wildflowers… she was surrounded by natural beauty. Many peaceful hours were spent strolling along the creek bank or chasing butterflies, driving along mountain roads, stopping for every photo op.
In 2005 Jim gave BJ a new digital camera and a 50mm macro lens and she immediately discovered her love of macro photography. Soon she realized that capturing those heart-stopping shots of the intricacies of flowers gave her more joy and satisfaction than anything. She finally realized it was her true passion. “Photography has always been a spiritual thing for me, in a quiet, personal sort of way. Now, as the viewfinder reveals awesome features to me for the first time, I find myself whispering WOW! I feel that I’ve been given a special gift, and there is great joy in sharing this gift with others.” And now, the dream that had been in the back of her mind since 1980 is finally a reality. She honors her mother’s memory with her gift – her gift to you.
Contact info:
BJ Chatham
McCaysville, GA
706-492-2621 cell 706-455-2621
bjchatham@etcmail.com