A wild bouquet
I remember reading Ove’s post, The Februaries. This post invoked a strong response in me because the photograph was a stark reminder of where I have been for nearly two years … in a case of the Februaries. If you’ve not seen the photograph, I suggest that you go and look at it. It’s pretty revealing and haunting.
Anyway, now that things are being resolved and the Februaries are sliding away, it’s great to start seeing again. I’ve missed it. Now, my morning walks are filled with sights, smells, sounds, and lots of things to stare at in wonder. Things that I used to walk right by, such as this lovely little bouquet of wildflowers, or as some might call them weeds. I remember all of the times when I tried to be creative, always falling short. I went to the garden at UNCC, which was filled with beauty that I couldn’t see. I went to the beaches near Charleston, yet caught only glimpses of the treasures that were there. I walked around downtown Charlotte and caught only glimpses of life.
Now, things are coming back. Oh how I’ve missed those sights. I must admit, though, that I feel in some way weirdly guilty about taking most of my photos using my cell phone. I feel that I should be using my D300, but then again, I’m just happy to be shooting again. I’ve got 4 rolls of B&W to develop, too. That makes me smile and from what I remember, I have some pretty decent shots on there. Still liking that Leica!
Related Posts :
OK. Go ahead. Give yourself a pat on the back? Admit it! You like your own work! It's OK to l ...
Sometimes you have to stand before the mirror and have a nice long look. I just came back from ...
On the UNCC campus Back on November 23, 2009, I wrote this post talking about how many film sh ...
On the plus side, it’s most likely having the Februaries that makes the appreciation of all the wonderful things you mention that much sweeter.
I like that term, the Februaries, of course here in Australia we would have to call it the Augusts but that just doesn’t have the same ring to it even if the general melancholic feeling is much the same.
That’s a very good point, Cedric. It is rather difficult to appreciate something fully while you have it; however, when it goes missing, you sure have a different level of appreciation. It’s all about balance and constant change.
Beautiful weeds, Paul! In fact I’m not sure there is such a thing as a weed, it’s probably more like some plant someone does not want around.
You bring up a good point when you mentioned times when the creativity was falling short. I’ve been throwing that around in my head lately and there may be a post in that for me. Anyway, i struggle with the same feelings and perspective as you do. I know there is beauty all around me but it does not seem to find its way to my camera sensor. Seasons do make an impact on what we shoot, as do the situations in our life. As a photographer we want to create images which stir us, please us, no matter what camera we use. My friend, please continue to press the shutter and share what you experience in this world with your images and words. I want to see and read them.
And, if you ever feel the need to get rid of either the D300 or Leica, give me a shout, I’ll take either one of them, or both.
Thanks, Monte. As for that D300, the Leica, and the unmentioned Mamiya 645, I think that I’ll keep them around, just in case.
I’ve become quite attached to that Leica M6 … I even entertain fantasies of having an M9, but I don’t have the 7K, also I really am quite fond of film and film developing.
It seems time away from any particular place graces us with new visions to rediscover it.
Ah, you’ve been there too. It’s part of life, and I can certainly appreciate the perspectives you get when having seasons in your yearly moodcycle. Imagine having no seasons, summer or winter all year long. Seems boring to me.
Those are colourful weeds, plain lovely, as only weeds can be. I love that green!
Paul, I have to say…If this is “just” a cell phone, your eye is capturing the real beauty and it’s doing a good job. I know you’ll pick up that camera one day soon and watch out!
Beautiful purple. What are these flowers, anyway? Are they wildflowers? Sure are pretty.
So glad you’re able to stop and see the details again. Life for a creative person is drab without that outlet.
Take care.
Bonnie: I have no idea what they are called, but they are all around, certainly not rare; however, I am glad that I captured them on that day because their lifespan seems to be extremely short. They are all brown and dried up, now, though still pretty in their own way. I think that perhaps this evening I’ll go out without Hobbs and shoot. He doesn’t like the heat anyway.
As for not having that outlet, yes, life is pretty drab without it.