Photography
By Michael Shoemaker
About Kensington Garden Walkway, Shoemaker wrote, “Kensington Garden Walkway is more of a symbol of a stage of artistic learning than a place. In June and July 2025, I went with three other American authors (I being the only photographer) for four weeks, staying at the Wick Farm near Langport, United Kingdom, to create what is virtuous, lovely, and of good report in photography and poetry. Since then, it has come to stand for the start of at least one new artistic friendship that will hopefully last for many years.
“After reading a plaque, a memorial of Princess Diana, I saw a possibility and had been looking for a moment where I could catch this tunnel of leaves devoid of human connection, but when I saw these two at the end of the tunnel, it felt right to press click. There was some color moderation, but exposure and clarity stayed the same.
“I am not a garden expert, but I am an over-the-top flora lover and a big fan of bumblebees. This piece represents how, when we pass through any tunnel in life, it may give comfort to assign one end as an entrance and the other end as an exit, but experience teaches us that, many times, we are in for a surprise as to which is which.
“It is my hope that this work feels safe, but adventurous and compassionate, while the two persons are still voluntarily choosing their directions that lead to greater light.”
Michael Shoemaker is a husband, father, and Christian who depends on Jesus’s grace every day. He is a poet, photographer, and writer from Magna, Utah. Michael is the author of three poetry/photography collections, including Sacred Strains of Praise. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Brigham Young University in 1994. Michael enjoys hiking, photography, and playing with his cat, Yuki.
