1/22/2015

Tweaking ones perception

21


The possibilities are endless.

Whenever I begin the editing process, I just fly ...
rarely do I venture through with a preconceived notion of how an image should look
but rather
an aim towards a feeling or some sort of emotional response to the moments
of being there.


This quote by Ansel Adams remains one of my favorites:

You don't make a photograph just with a camera.
You bring to the act of photography
all the pictures you have seen,
the books you have read,
the music you have heard,
the people you have loved.



Here's another fine one, from the great street photographer, Elliott Erwitt:

To me, photography is an art of observation.
It's about finding something interesting in an ordinary place ...
I've found it has little to do with the things you see
and everything to do with the way you see them.


When I stood next to this wall in my friend's garden, I literally had a gut reaction
to the armature of this vine.  I'd only ever seen it during the leafy months
when it's so covered with greenery the exquisite structure is hidden.
I immediately loved how it showed its age, how carefully tended & tied to the wall it was,
how gnarled, twisted, interwoven and even fragile it looked [ but wasn't ] ...
and later, working through the edit, I realized my response was also sparked by
a longing for other gardens I've known, or tended, elsewhere in the world
that I probably won't ever see again.


The bottom photo was the first edit & was yesterday's post on Instagram.  I thought
I was done.  But for some unknown reason I just kept playing ...

With the addition of a 4th app, my perception jumped into another realm entirely
and suddenly two symmetrical versions have added to the story
in quite unexpected ways.  Which, as it turns out, is
precisely in tune and apropos to my feelings about
that vine
on that wall
in that moment.

Memories can be fierce
even if they're buried and one hasn't thought of them in a long time.

: : :

I wasn't going to write a new post until I finalized a fresh blog layout.
HA!  so much for that idea.



21 comments:

  1. The Ansel Adams quote is so perfect, so right and now so into my very being ...thank you. Your images and your words poignant and beautiful.

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  2. Replies
    1. Doesn't need to be work ... doesn't need to be serious ...
      no reason in the world why playing is any less valid an enterprise because of
      its light hearted leanings. One of the keys to a happy life, if you ask me ;>]
      Thanks, Els.

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  3. I love your "Memories can be fierce......." and the photos too.

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    Replies
    1. CB, that "fierce" just popped out without forethought
      and when it did it was an instantaneous *yes* ... a word meaning exactly what I felt.
      thanx.

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  4. Replies
    1. Me too. Have carried that one with me nigh on 30+ years now.
      Crikey, I must be o.l.d.

      Delete
  5. I am soooo glad you didn't wait to share this post with us. Its beautiful. They are images to meditate on -- each taking me in a slightly different direction, but still the same. Much like life I think.

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    Replies
    1. oooh, yes, that's true, Penny ... much like life!
      thanx for that.

      Delete
  6. Loved the last photo....thank you for sharing both your thoughts and photos and in particular the quotes. My Dad, aged 81, retired butcher, has taken up photography classes in his retirement. He has been attending for a few years now and his teacher is closer to 90 years old! On the odd occasion the class goes on 'field trips' and everyone enjoys sharing their latest work. I shall pass on to my Dad the quotes for him to read.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your dad sounds like one swell fella, Jenny. Sure hope I'm still avidly picture taking when
      I'm of that spry age - it's so so important to stay engaged with life as we age ...
      Thanks so much for stopping to comment. And I do hope he likes the quotes.

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  7. Love following your creative mind. What a treat.

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    Replies
    1. Scotland Molly? ... is that YOU?
      Thanks ever so - am so pleased you've come by for a visit.

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  8. How many people have seen the vine on the wall without seeing it at all. I would probably be one of that group. But your eye turns the vined wall into art. I can see this picture framed and the focal of a wonderful wall vignette.
    xx, Carol

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    Replies
    1. Have yet to turn any of my mobile photography shots into wall photos, but so kind of you to mention ...
      maybe one day. I take your suggestion to heart, thank you Carol.

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  9. I love the texture, colours and symmetry of these images. I agree with you over the years the way I look at things have changed and it is much easier to spot something beautiful or unusual. Sarah x

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    Replies
    1. Sarah, I love your blog! and am thrilled to have you visit here. I guess we both *scout* in a similar
      vein, just on different continents. Kind of wonderful, that thought ....
      See ya 'round !

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  10. Very thought provoking piece! Love the gnarly texture of the naked vine, and the terrible symmetry you wrought from the elegant and simple final shot: you're sumthin' kiddo! Looking forward to the future transformation of your Blog (tad nervous to see it, actually).

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