We see millions of objects everyday. When on autopilot, we allow our subconscious to do the filtering of what seems important and what can be filed away without even a single conscious acknowledgement. Some things are just so ordinary that they don’t grab our attention, peak our interest nor do they warrant a second thought. This is exactly why I love photography. The ordinary can really capture the imagination and ultimately provide us the opportunity to stop — and really consciously look at something. The structure, the variant hues of color, the patterns (or lack thereof), the composition and most of all the detail begin to intrigue. The detail is what fascinates. However, to see the detail, one needs to look closely. In turn, to look closely, one needs to stop, stand still and get physically closer to what it is we are looking at.
These musing really hit hard while I was wandering about outside, on a less than optimal day for taking photos. I live in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and wildflowers and grasses are abundant. It is fall now and all around there are thick clusters of spent wildflowers. In a cluster, all I can see is brown, crunchy clumps of dead grasses and wildflowers. But then, when I bend over to look — really look — I see them in all of their change of life beauty. I know my camera has finally found a worthy subject.
When you carry a camera in your hand — you see the world quite differently.
Be Well,
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