My online journal where I share my interests in photography, nature, journaling, fountain pens, bicycling, coffee life, spirituality and the mystery of it all.
I seldom drink any sort of sodas. I have not really enjoyed them for several years. However, while I was working as a flight attendant I would sometimes take a sip just because it was there. I have not drank a full can for years. An article in Business Insider states, “carbonated soft drinks have declined in the US, from nearly 53 gallons per capita at its peak in 1998 to 41 gallons per capita in 2014.” In my google search I also found that the products of The Coca-Cola Company are consumed at the rate of more than 1.8 billion drinks per day. If those massive numbers are correct then someone is consuming my average.
It was 13 degrees this morning while waiting for the bus as I headed to campus and a mocha at Morgan Library. What was I thinking or was I? Anyway the mocha hit the spot and library was warm quiet.
When shooting this image I needed to choose between exposing for the shadows or the highlights. I chose to expose for the highlights. By choosing to expose for the highlights, half the image is in the dark shadows, giving the image a feel of mystery. However, I was not expecting what I felt when seeing this image on my monitor. The shadows seemed to be the only thing I could focus on. It asks the questions: What is in the shadows?
Here’s one answer to that question. The arrow is pointing my heart towards the shadows. Within those shadows are life’s risks, the unknown, my doubts, fears, insecurities and my wounds.
For years I told myself, and believed, I was not good enough to be a photographer, or writer or whatever else I dreamed of pursuing. Always in those shadows were the desires and dreams to be more, a voice whispering in my soul.
We only venture into into the shadows when we listen to the inner voice, and with whatever courage and faith we have, discover what’s there. If you were to step into the shadows of this image you would find a recessed door to the back of a restaurant. For me the door symbolizes the opening to new opportunities, more doors.
Yes, walking into dark shadows can be frightening to me. It requires a risk and accepting all the many lessons to be learned. Lessons improve my craft, build confidence and encourage me to venture into even more shadows.
I just may have to go back and shoot this image to expose for the shadows. Could be another lesson. 🙂
We all have the dark, ignorant shadow inside us. I have worked endlessly to reveal it and heal it in me.
I did not watch the Super Bowl, just not that interested in it. However, Colorado does have a few Bronco fans as you can tell in the above sign. As, I rode the bus yesterday I could not believe how many orange and blue clothing people owned. Enjoy your week.
The sun is shinning this morning! Clouds moved in on Friday and snow began that night and continued until Sunday night. I scrapped off a half inch of ice with 6 inches of snow on top of that. Temperature dropped into the single digits during the night and will be cold today and tonight. They say more later in the week for us. The sign seemed appropriate for the day.
I only know how to approach a place by walking. For what does a street photographer do but walk and watch and wait and talk, and then watch and wait some more, trying to remain confident that the unexpected, the unknown, or the secret heart of the known awaits just around the corner.
Alex Webb
I did not wait long for this man to walk into the scene, it just took on its own life. I was drawn to the sign and boarded up windows. He just happened to walk into the frame as I raised my camera. If I’d not been ready, this scene would not exist. One of the traits a street photographer needs.
“I am not very interested in extraordinary angles. They can be effective on certain occasions, but I do not feel the necessity for them in my own work. Indeed, I feel the simplest approach can often be most effective. A subject placed squarely in the centre of the frame, if attention is not distracted from it by fussy surroundings, has a simple dignity which makes it all the more impressive.”
Bill Brandt
Photography has helped me to visually see the world around me and with the camera in my hand I want to show you the simple things I see. And, sorry it’s not squarely in the center.
