Saturday, November 24, 2007

november light


In late fall, the late afternoon light seeps steadily through the branches, an amber syrup coating everything it touches, seeming to thicken the air itself. I walked down and then back up the brick steps, knelt in the yellow, shadow-striped layers of leaves and picked the last of the sorrel, the only green thing left in the ruined garden.

One thing I thought about is how much easier it is for me to see something clearly once I've taken a picture of it -- or, if I don't have my camera -- once I've imagined the picture I would have taken. What about you? What helps you to stop and truly see the shapes and colors of the world around you?

14 comments:

S said...

I like to frame the world with my camera, too.

But niobe? I'd PAY you for that first photo. I'm quite serious.

Katie said...

Every time I see your photos I keep thinking I should start carrying my camera. It might make me stop and appreciate some of the beautiful things around me. All I do at the moment is run around like a headless chicken!

EmmaL said...

When I remember that life is short, and incredibly fragile and that every second is a gift. Those are the times when I manage to be present in the moment and that's when I can see the world around me and how beautiful it is.

meg said...

Niobe, I'm quite sure I'm not the only one who would like to see an exhibition of your work.

Suz said...

My camera also helps me to see. However, my pictures can't seem to approach the beauty and eloquence of your own.

Lori said...

I love to take pictures but I need to use it more to discover the smaller details- like you do.

Music is pretty much the constant backdrop of my life. I am always either listening to music or singing a song in my head.

painted maypole said...

you take amazing photos, and you capture the details so amazingly. I am not suprised that you find that photography helps you see the world. Your photos help ME see the world.

christina(apronstrings) said...

i like the buddist teachings of bringing yourself to the present by going through the five senses. what do i smell/see/hear/touch/taste. its a good way of trying to keep myself in the present.
nice pictures.

Doughnut said...

For me, it is time. When I take the time to stop or have the time to stop to look around and marvel at what is. I don't think we, as a people, do that enough.

Aurelia said...

Pictures and mementoes are like that for me. Things people have touched, written records, and photos.

So when the memories fade, I still feel a connection.

kate said...

Beautiful pictures.

There were some fabulous colors in my garden this autumn. Alas, i put off taking pictures and this morning i looked out and all the color is gone, ruined by a hard frost.

jo(e) said...

Lovely photos.

I notice more when I write about something ....

Maggie said...

Those are both gorgeous photos.

I have to agree with you - there is something about seeing things in a photo that helps me see things more clearly.

daisies said...

these are beautiful!