One, Two, Three, Four

I admit that I'm not afraid to roll down the window when I'm in my car, waiting in line for one thing or another, in order to take a picture. I'm rarely disappointed in the results. I will also admit that I have a problem with landscapes - always have, even when I was painting. I feel much more comfortable with still lifes, portraits and macros. Landscapes overwhelm me a bit... I'm never sure where to end it all, what to include/exclude, what is the focus? 

And I have to say, that with a few exceptions, my landscape images don't "wow" me. Don't get me wrong - I love the landscapes of other, more proficient photographers; those who seem to know how to frame the shot. Which brings me back to the open car window. Not that I consider this image a landscape, but I think in some way, the window frame gives me a reference. Not unlike holding up ones' thumbs and forefingers in order to evaluate a composition.

Another anomaly - I don't seem to have this problem when shooting infrared. Does black and white simplify the scene for me? Allowing me to place the elements in an interesting composition?

Here today, Gone tomorrow

I am not a writer. I use words to express what my photographs mean to me... and sometimes I have something to say and I will use a photo to get the words flowing.

Yesterday, I noticed the late light shining on the surface of the pond. There's a fountain that generates ripples on the water; ripples that transform the reflected light into abstract forms - never the same from one moment to the next. Then, I like to add something to the scene in order to create a contrast between liquid and solid. I like seeing the points of tension, where the 'thing' meets the swirling current.

This once-crunchy leaf will eventually absorb enough water that it will slip beneath the surface and begin to decay.

That's what leaves do.

above and below

... the surface. 

Trying to stay afloat, these leaves will eventually decay and sink to the bottom of the pond; no longer touching the reflected sky and clouds on the surface. But on this day, they were still golden.

fall, falling, fallen

“Autumn is a second spring where every leaf is a flower” ~ Albert Camus