"The glory of God is man fully alive." -St. Irenaeus
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| "Regenbogen" (Rainbow) in the Austrian Alps |
I love photography for many reasons, but probably the primary reason is the ability to step out of time and capture an image that I see in my everyday life. Somehow for me, those images are art. And a camera feels like the most rewarding way, with its ease and portability, to be able to make visual art. Don't you agree?
Also, for me, there is something about the ability to live and be in the moment, without twisting back into nostalgia or sprinting forward with worry. When we are fully present, where we are, we can be fully alive.
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| A moment with a wisp of fog (Italy's Cinque Terre) |
So many times, I have discovered "being there" to mean that I see something meaningful that I may have missed in the ordinary busy-ness of everyday life. Sometimes "being present" means to mark out what haunts us from yesterday, and to dismiss what nags at our thoughts for tomorrow. Then the now is all there is. And it is all we have, really. There are no guarantees. Tomorrow's sunset will not look the same as today's. Time today to spend with others may not come around again. There is no formula for whether tomorrow will be like today. We can enjoy today for what it is-- the present, a gift.
When we notice what is around us in the present moment, we may discover all kinds of gifts.
We may notice things we may not have seen before ....
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| A moment with a pasture full of sheep wearing clanking bells (Tuscany) |
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| A moment when the setting sun painted the distant mountains with brilliance (Alps) |
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| A moment when the sunrise began to lift the morning fog (Tuscany) |
If we have done a bit of preparation and can rest and relax in that moment and have our eyes open wide, we will be able to see and experience what is there, in that moment. And many times it is breathtaking ...
Starting the conversation: Have you taken the time recently to slow down? What did you "notice"? Does having a camera with you help you to slow down and see?
Gorgeous photos! Makes me want to go even more!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cara, and Teuvo!
ReplyDeleteYour photographs are inspiring! Makes me want to take pictures of a whole new field :)
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog and love it. Your photos are beautiful and your words are inspiring. Just wondering.... what type of camera do you use? I'm new to photography and would like to purchase a camera. Need some advice. Thanks... Mary
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mary, and Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteYou both made my day.
Mary-- I use a Nikon D90, which is a great camera that I highly recommend. But, if you're just starting out, I recommend the Nikon D40, which is a bit smaller and much more affordable. The D90 has quite a lot of fancy features that not everyone might need--even after years of photography courses.
I definitely recommend buying a Digital SLR camera, because of the rapid shutter speed (you can take photos one after another, without pause, because it doesn't hesitate when you press the button). With that feature alone, you won't miss a shot (like on pocket digital cameras). I hope you find one you like!
Thank you again, for stopping by and leaving a comment. Have a wonderful November,
Jennifer