Last Light (click for larger image)
On Tuesday’s post I talked about the beautiful saffron colored light that I was able to see while driving along the highway. I also expressed a little bit of frustration that I could not pull over and capture it, as I was on the highway and passing over various photographer-unfriendly bridges.
Anita reminded me to be thankful that I got to see that light and I took this both literally and metaphorically. On the literal side, it was an amazing light show. Everything had a yellow glow about it. Even the shadows were dipped in it.
How fortunate am I to own a camera, not just own a camera, but to use it on a daily basis. It is my window to the world. It helps me see things that most people don’t, don’t have time for, or don’t know to look for. No, the camera has no special powers. It doesn’t lock me into a trance and help me see what mere mortals cannot. It is, for all intents and purposes, a reminder to stop and look. Once you get into the habit, it’s hard to not see. It’s difficult to drive in a straight line because all around, to the right, left, and behind you are glorious things to see and capture. Anita, you are lucky to have “The Husband” drive you around. 
It is with great frequency that I wonder if my fellow commuters are seeing what I’m seeing. I want to scream: “Get off your damn cell phones and look around! It’s beautiful, isn’t it?!!! Look at what you are missing!”
How cool is it to be walking along pavement, near or just after sunset after a day full of rain, looking into the puddles, seeing the reflection of the sky and trees and just being caught in the wonder of it all. Meanwhile, all around you, those who stop to look at you wonder why you are pointing your camera at the puddle. After a brief moment of curiosity, they press on, hopping right over that puddle. Never knowing. Never seeing. Never considering. This very thing happened a couple of times on Tuesday.
Although I was seriously enjoying the light, it is nice to have a reminder to be thankful for it even when you cannot take it with you inside of your camera. Thanks, Anita!
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8 Responses to “Seeing the light”
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Love the second photo with the sky reflected in the pools of water…very nice shot! Was this taken using your new Tamron 18-270mm?
@Earl: Yep. I’ve not had that lens off since I got it.
Probably every shot seen here in the last month has been taken with that lens. BTW, I got a GPS, too!
Hey, congrats on the GPS!
These are lovely thoughts and observations.
The photos aren’t too shabby either! I like both, they are splendiforous.
I love that Mark accompanies me on many of my photo drives. I get to look for photo-opportunities while he drives. He points out things I might miss, and we spend a nice day together usually ending with a nice lunch or dinner out at a local pub.
The puddle pic is marvelous.
I started reading ‘the creative habit’ by Twyla Tharp last night. It’s all about getting into these habits that let you be creative – like being able to see
Both photos are wonderful, but I will join in the extra measure of enthusiasm for the second one. That is a very special moment, and thank you for sharing it.
As usual, you phrased these thoughts so beautifully. I always felt that I had a deep appreciation for the beauty all around us on this planet. Still, once I began looking at the world through a viewfinder, I was amazed at the details that I had been missing.
Oh sure, post pictures of palm trees when I am dreading even walking to my mailbox because it is -10 deg. out.
@Mark: Well, ummm, if it makes you feel any better, it was 29 degrees this morning when I went outside and, some mornings, when I’m shooting at the beach, it is in the lower 30′s with 15-20 MPH winds! Brrrrr!!!!
How’s that?