|
A photographic journey of discovery. OrchidsA few years ago I read a book by author Susan Orlean called The Orchid Thief. Perhaps you have heard of it, read it, or even seen the movie version of it, called Adaptation. If not, I recommend it. A tale of obsession and deception, it's a fascinating story that started with the arrest of a plant dealer who was poaching rare orchids in South Florida. But that's beside the point. I have never been good at growing orchids. In fact, I'm ashamed to admit I killed the last orchid from a friend's beloved grandfather's collection within a few months of his death. I love looking at orchids, though, so this past weekend I visited the Mt. Baker Orchid Society's show and sale at a local nursery. Lucky for me, the folks tending the plants not only didn't mind me sticking my big lens into the blossoms, they were helpful and friendly and more than willing to answer questions and tell me about the plants. I even came home with a purchase (yikes!). I'll definitely keep track of the Northwest Orchid Society in case I get into plant trouble. There were so many varieties on display it was absolute sensory overload! If you ever get the chance to visit an orchid show, I highly recommend it.
I look at these flowers and so often I see something other than a flower. What do you see?
How Yoga Makes Me A Better Photographer
So, when a yoga studio conveniently opened up across the street from my house, I signed up. That was more than a year ago and I have been going fairly regularly a couple of times a week. Besides the general health benefits, I realized yoga has significantly improved my strength and balance. What does this have to do with photography? Well, I don't like to use a tripod if I don't have to. That's a pretty weird thing for someone who loves to shoot macro images, because holding extremely still is much harder than using a tripod. But, thanks to yoga I can squat in deep knee bends for long periods of time, maintain my balance, and control my breath to be still when necessary. That's why I am able to get shots like these, even when there's a breeze, without using a tripod. (If you have ever shot macro photography you know what I mean - the slightest breeze will send you reeling.)
Why am I talking about this? I was thinking about yoga today after I watched this ridiculous video. No, I don't breakdance when I do yoga. But I do get stronger.
Slowing DownI recently expanded my circles on Google+ to include thousands of recommended photographers. The stream of images and ideas is astounding. I could sit here all day just looking at what others do and commenting. I also set up a Pinterest account, although I am not particularly active over there yet. For one thing, Pinterest behaves poorly. It either ignores my pins or multiplies them so I have to keep going in and deleting. These tools and Facebook are ripe with opportunity. And yet, I can't help but feel they are also distractions. I love intereacting with other photographers and seeing their work. But I don't want to do that at the expense of shooting pictures! Just like the PhotoShop tutorials I have on my computer - they are tools that I want to utilize periodically. So, yesterday when my snowdrops were finally open, I was relieved to be away from the computer and behind the lens. My wish for everyone is to have quiet moments when something as simple as a blooming snowdrop can take you away from all distractions.
SpringIt's a nasty day outside today. Gray, rainy, a little on the cold side. I posted this photo to my Facebook page just to remind myself and others that spring is only a few short weeks away. This is where I live.
BarnsI keep thinking about The Accidental Mastpiece. I have photos I like to call happy accidents. They are photos that I don't go looking for, I just run across on my way to something else. That happens a lot for me with barns. I love barns. Old, new, bright, dull - if the surrounding farmland is pastoral, something about a barn catches my eye.
On the other hand, I waited a year to get these photos:
I wish I could say I planned every shot that carefully, but that's just not the case when it comes to barns. I don't post all the images I shoot by any means. Often they are just for my own pleasure. All of these are barns I shot on my way to or from somewhere else. They each appeal to me for different reasons. Some are graphically striking, others invite you to reflect on the past. I can't say exactly what touches me about them, which is why I just take pictures of them I suppose.
They are just moments I stopped to enjoy rather than race on past them to my destination. A reminder, for me, to allow myself to stop along the way. Isn't that how we should live every day? Taking time to see what's around us and time to stop to look a little more closely? I can't say that I do that consistently, but on the days that I do it usually pays off.
|
