A Walk Through Stillness: My Photography Journey at the Harvard Arboretum

Guyorguy Laguerre
Jul 21
2 min read

Discovering Stillness Through Harvard Arboretum Photography

Sometimes, the most profound stories unfold not in words, but in whispers—leaves rustling, wings flapping, hooves pausing mid-step. This past weekend, I set out on a quiet Harvard Arboretum photography walk with my camera in hand and my heart wide open. What I discovered wasn’t just a trail bathed in golden light, but a living gallery—one filled with birds, deer, and fleeting moments of stillness captured through the lens.

🌿 The Quiet Entry

The morning light filtered through the trees like spilled gold. As I entered the path, I wasn’t chasing anything specific—just peace. My only plan was to listen, to slow down, and to let the forest show me its secrets.

A blue jay perches on a tree branch surrounded by green leaves, with a soft, sunlit background creating a peaceful atmosphere.

📸 The Watchful Blue Jay

Perched like a sentinel, the Blue Jay was my first subject. Against the green canopy, its vibrant blues stood out in contrast—as if the sky had landed in the leaves. It watched me watching it. There was a stillness there that asked for patience, and I gave it.

Deer stands alert in lush green forest, softly illuminated by sunlight. Dark trees in the background add contrast, creating a serene mood.

🦌 Deer in the Dappled Light

Then came the deer. Graceful, quiet, and deeply alert. One stood mid-field as if sculpted in light, the glow tracing its frame like nature’s spotlight. Another grazed softly, ears twitching to every sound. I kept my distance, letting my lens do the walking.

A robin stands on a gravel path, surrounded by lush green grass. The scene is calm and natural, with soft light enhancing the bird's colors.

🐦 The Humble Robin

The American Robin is often overlooked, but in that moment—alone on a path, chest out, head held high—it looked like a small conqueror of a great domain. I captured two—one in morning clarity, and one in moody shadow. Together, they felt like pages of the same story: light and dark, presence and solitude.

🌳 The Takeaway

Photography walks like this remind me that nature doesn’t always perform. It simply exists, and our job is to witness it without demand. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just someone seeking quiet, the Harvard Arboretum offers a canvas of serenity and surprises.

If you're ever in Boston and need to reset, come here. Bring a camera. Or don’t. Just listen.