A few days ago Mark Graf had a thought provoking post entitled The Passinate Observer. His post caused me to realize something about myself, and therefore this post. I believe photography has helped me develop into that Passionate Observer he talks about. Even though I am getting older, I am seeing things with newer eyes, that Passionate Observer. I dont just see a tree anymore but I take the time to look at the leaves, the bark, the bent and twisted trunks, the broken limbs, the birds nest or the raptor perched in search of prey. I walk up and touch it. Silly as it may seem I even talk to them. One morning I watched a couple intently walking the trail around Lake Ladora at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR. Their heads were down, focused on their stride and the conversation, yet never looking up at this tree. They ignored the yellow quaking leaves calling out to them.
So, I agree with Mark and his quote by Diane Arbus, that in order for us to “capture some emotion” of what we felt we must first be observers, even simple observers. Then when we’re passionate about what we see, we have something special. Maybe this couple will be able to see the beauty of this tree, the art in nature, if we present it to them through our photography.
And today is my moms 80th birthday, So, I’m in Phoenix to celebrate her special day.
8 Comments
Ann Courtney
I am sure that the quality of our photography improves as we realise that looking, watching the world go by, slowing down are all so important. You see more on a stroll than a marathon.
It’s a beautiful tree and deserves to be looked at and admired.
Happy Birthday to your Mom.
Monte Stevens
You are right, Ann, “You see more on a stroll than a marathon.”
Anita Jesse
Congratulations to you mom on the big birthday. I know it meant a great deal to her to have you there.
I love the yellow splashed against the blue sky. It seems to me that photography is an extremely healthy pursuit. Practicing the craft encourages us to be present in the moment and to connect with the our beautiful planet. How can this things not be good for us?
Your passionate observation, in turn, makes the viewer richer as well. Big wins all the way around.
Monte Stevens
Yes, we have a beautiful planet and it’s the only one we will have. Hope we can take better care of it than we have. Thanks!
Tom Dills
I love this, a beautiful portrait.
I hope your Mom had a good day.
Monte Stevens
Thanks, Tom, and yes she did have a good day. I need to get a few more portraits of these and their cousins.
Paul
I agree Monte. Things become much more than what they are ‘named’. You are certainly a passionate observer, especially to trees. 🙂
Monte Stevens
Thanks, Paul. I seemed to have missed your comment here and felt the need to reply. And, I do hope I am growing into a passionate observer of this world of ours. I stopped watching television about 20 years ago, seldom see a movie, and am not addicted to any game apps on my iphone. These alone have helped me see the world around me and to be more present to it. As you well know spending time with people will allow us to see them as real people rather than a character created by Hollywood.