Think on This

When thinking about taking pictures in darkness or extremely low light conditions, photographers know they have to make changes in their camera settings (as opposed to bright daylight) and bring a tripod.  The changes almost always include opening up the aperture of the lens (to let in more light), slowing the shutter speed down dramatically (to let in more light) and putting the camera on a tripod (which allows the camera to be immoble while the shutter is open longer).   Every change done to the settings and technique are meant to "let in more light."   As I shot the photo below late last night, I thought about how some of these techniques can apply to our own lives, rather than just the art of photography. 

When we find ourselves in dark places, our pupils dilate (much like the aperture of a lens) to let in more light.  And when we sit still, slowing ourselves down (much like slowing the shutter speed and the immobility of the tripod), we start to actually see our surroundings in a way that we can't do if we're moving too fast.  The beauty that is visible in the day is also visible in the dark - though greatly and often dramatically changed.  The branches in the photo are beautiful in the light, but had I not slowed down and let myself focus on them with a small light glowing behind them, I would have missed a beautiful and moody scene. 

Perhaps not so amazing is that these techniques can also be applied as we are met with dark times or challenges in our lives.  Slowing down, opening our eyes/hearts/spirit, more light (illumination) is shed on the problem or challenge.  New solutions come into view that we might not have seen had we approached these dark times in the same way we approach the easy moments.  A great reminder for us to think about each day. 

Photo:  Smokey Mountains, Gatlinburg, TN - copyright Nancy Diana