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

As I think on the lack of time I spent on this blog last year, I immediately realized that I can revamp my original thoughts about this site and combine it with my passion for photography.  Every photo I take invokes a thought or feeling in me and what better combination could I find than to post a photo and share the thoughts it brings to mind.  Since I photograph daily, and post photos to my main database almost daily as well, I think this will work!  :-)  Hoping you'll continue to join me as I turn this into a thoughtful photo blog. 

First Photo:  Infrared shot of the beach at sunrise - Canaveral National Seashore, Titusville, Florida.

When I shoot in infrared I find that visually, things become pared down and simplified.  Expected colors disappear, light and shadows change and my spirit actually calms.  I think this is one of the things that draws me to infrared.  Yes, there can be increased drama, but mostly, I find peace, much like the peaceful scene below.   The beach at sunrise was empty save for my husband, water birds and small crabs poking up through the sand.  Peace, pure and simple.  Easy breeze off the water.  The sunrise was spectacular and I'll share photos of that later, but for now, there was just peace.  We need more of that in our lives.