John and Cindy Hartgerink, like many couples in their retirement years, were looking for a place to truly call home. A place where they could enjoy life’s simple pleasures, pursue their passions, and embrace a vibrant community. They found all that and more at St. James Place. For John, a self-taught nature photographer, it was like discovering a hidden paradise.
John’s passion for photography began in high school, a gift of a camera from his parents that sparked a lifelong journey of capturing the natural world. From his early days photographing wildflowers and wildlife near the Amite River to his extensive work at the Bluebonnet Swamp, John has honed his skills and developed a unique perspective. He calls himself an “Omnivor Photographer,” capturing whatever catches his eye, from the smallest insect to a beautiful wildflower. His approach is one of discovery, “Grab a photo and then find out what the image is,” he says, emphasizing the learning process that accompanies each click of the shutter.
Before the advent of the internet, John relied on libraries and their resources to identify and learn about his subjects. This instilled in him a deep appreciation for research and a thirst for knowledge. Over the years, he amassed over a million photos at the Bluebonnet Swamp, each one telling a story and representing a lesson learned.
When John and Cindy were considering St. James Place, they knew it offered unique photographic possibilities. Having visited Cindy’s mother when she lived at the community in 2006, John had already glimpsed the potential of the Butterfly Garden. Now, after a year of living at St. James Place, John’s passion has flourished. He spends four or more days a week exploring the campus, camera in hand, capturing the beauty of the Butterfly Garden, the serenity of the lake, and the diverse wildlife that calls St. James Place home.
“There are parts of nature that stay with you, even when memory fades,” John reflects, highlighting the power of photography to evoke memories and connect us to the natural world. He’s particularly eager to share his work with residents of the Memory Care Community, believing that his photos can spark joy and connection.
John’s dedication to documenting the natural world at St. James Place is evident in his recent project: cataloging 51 different butterflies and moths in the Butterfly Garden between August and December 1, 2024. He emphasizes the unique nature of the garden, calling it a true butterfly habitat, thanks to the dedicated residents, many of whom are Master Gardeners, on the Garden Committee. “There’s a difference between a pollinator garden, a butterfly garden, and a flower garden, and ours at St. James Place is all three,” he explains. He’s passionate about sharing his knowledge of these creatures and their vital role in the ecosystem.
Daisye’s Koi Pond is another favorite spot for John, where he’s captured fascinating glimpses of wildlife, including a Yellow-crowned Night Heron catching and eating crawfish as he’s never seen before… “It pulled crawfish out of the water and brought it away from the bank before eating it.” He also explores the nature trail around the lake, bordering Duplantier Bayou, where he’s discovered deer antlers and tracks. He’s planning to set up trail cameras to capture the wildlife activity when he can’t be there himself.
John and Cindy, both retired from ExxonMobil, where they met, are enjoying their new chapter at St. James Place. John, a retired Chemical Engineer, and Cindy, a retired Computer Systems Engineer, make a great team. Cindy manages the photo logging and often acts as John’s spotter! They love watching the birds and squirrels from their balcony, and Cindy is thrilled with the community’s offerings, from the Fitness Center to the engaging educational speakers. “I could stay busy all day here,” she says, a testament to the vibrant lifestyle at St. James Place. For John, St. James Place isn’t just a home; it’s a canvas waiting to be explored, one photograph at a time.
To view more of John’s photos taken at St. James Place, visit St. James Place’s Facebook page at St. James Place Retirement Community | Baton Rouge LA | Facebook.
Learn more about the vibrant lifestyle and natural beauty of St. James Place by scheduling a tour today by calling 225-215-4510.