Why take pictures? Well, on one hand, I have a whole lot to document. I’ve got six (soon to be seven) kids — they kinda grow up fast and my husband and I would like to remember something of their childhood. Especially things like: who looked like who at which age, that really bad haircut, that really cute haircut, that first toothless grin, that adorable outfit, etc. I don’t scrapbook but I do have gigs of pictures of the kids (as well as several shoe boxes that pre-date digital!) So that’s the easy reason about why I love photography.
On the other hand, why do I love taking pictures of things that aren’t my kids? That’s a little harder to pin down and something I’m sure my husband wishes he could figure out too! (See yesterday’s 365 shot of the vacuum cleaner…)
The picture above is from my film days — even pre-SLR days. It was taken with a very nice 35mm camera that let me pick aperture or shutter priority — it was the tool that led me to check out EVERY SINGLE photography book (and video) in the library. It was the start of the learning curve and with film that curve was a bit steeper and much slower — no instant histogram feedback.
But as I was pondering why I take photographs, this one popped in my mind. The subject is sentimental — it’s the dirt road that ran in front of our very first home and the framed 8×10 has been on my dresser for thirteen years. But it’s more than the sentimental subject that attracts me.
It’s the light. It’s all about the light. That’s what the books always say — and I have to agree. For me the thrill in photography lays in catching the light doing something remarkable — whether it’s making the late evening autumn leaves glow, or creating mysterious shadows or simply adding warmth to the scene.
It’s the light that makes the photo interesting, it’s the light that shows the audience where to look, it’s the light that adds drama, mystery, meaning.
Hi Jessica,
Before I say anything else I want to tell you how beautiful your pictures are. I went back to each one time and again because they were all so different and so interesting. Then when you said it is the light that makes each one so interesting I went back again to look at the light and it does make a difference. Thank you for sharing this insight. As someone who is very new to all of this, each piece of new information is so exciting.
Thanks, Ginny. It’s funny that you say that because it wasn’t until I started writing the entry that I too realized it was the light. I was thinking along the lines of “capturing beauty” but I forced myself to try to dig deeper and then the lightbulb went off! ; )
ooh love the Jesus shot the light (you’re right about that is amazing) and the rockmelon well so simple but once again the light. I know when you get a good shot it often is because of the light I’ll have to pay more attention to that.
You’re right. I hadn’t thought about it — I’m so new to photography. But the light is an important aspect. The shot of melons could look very ordinary, but the light makes it special.
Nice shots. Lighting is an area I really need to work on capturing better – particularly low light, and light that adds character. Hopefully I’ll pick that up on this journey.
You have seven children and you still have time to take pictures for fun?! You’re my photography hero 🙂 You have some beautiful shots on here. You’re right, it is all about the light. You’ve done a great job capturing the light. Thanks for sharing.
Well, one of them is still highly portable (at least for the next 2 months or so….) Thanks. : )
Hi, Jessica,
You are so right about the light! It’s often what pulls me into take a photo in the first place..it’s what catches my eye. But, it can be such a challenge to capture. You’ve done it so beautifully in each of your photos.
Ahh…the light. Yes, I agree, yet I had never thought about it in terms of “catching the light doing something remarkable.”
Thank you for the ah-ha moment.
It’s definitely the light! Combined with your eye, your heart, your soul that makes a meaningful photograph. Light and you, the perfect combo. I loved this post!
Love it! I am in love with light as well! And I love your sentiments about photographing the kids. That is so important to me as well. Even wonder what it would be like if our ancestors had the ability to document their daily lives like we do? That would be so interesting!
Wouldn’t it though? I know I love looking at the old family pictures from the 1910s and 1920s and really trying to catch the details that were left in…there is one of a a group of people at a Washington’s birthday party — everyone dressed up in colonial clothes that is just so funny!
What a great response to the prompt! Light is so important, but at the same time so common, that we don’t always give it much thought. But I know what you mean about “catching the light doing something remarkable” — when you do, it is pure magic!
Yep — that’s the moment of the thrill that keeps me going on all those days when it doesn’t really click. : )
And, you capture light so well. The way the light interacts with the color makes your melon photo unexpectedly delicious! And, the country road is well composed, well lit, and well colored – it is very inviting. I can relate to your vacuum cleaner shot – I’ve taken photos of some strange subjects over the course of my 365 project as well – tooth brushes and shower scrubbies come to mind 😉 Thanks for sharing.
Beautiful, just beautiful. I love the light in your photos. That’s something I’m still learning…how to find the light. I’m getting better, but it’s a process. Lovely post! Thank you for sharing.
You really found your light. Beautiful work.