Springing Forth
Beautiful tree blooms in Lewisville, North Carolina.
Beautiful Blooms
Flowers…are a proud assertion that a ray of beauty outvalues all the utilities of the world. — Ralph Waldo Emerson
The next few weeks will bring us some glorious sights as spring’s arrival becomes more pronounced. I look forward to getting out more and attempting to capture the season’s beauties that will be all around us.
[SIDE NOTE: This photo reminds me of an old-style wallpaper design.]
CLICK to see a CLOSE-UP view of these beautiful blooms
Floral Patterns
Soft-focused daffodils in Lewisville, North Carolina.
It’s All a Blur
Yes, another soft-focus, blurry flower photo! Do you mind? Well, if you do, I promise that the next post will be on something entirely different.
For now, though, while perusing the book I had referred to in the previous post, Botanical Dreaming; Using Photoshop, your camera, and your heart to create inspiring images by Mark S. Johnson, I came across this interesting quote by Katrin Eismann:
For many photographers, sharper is better; but for quite a few the softness, unpredictability, and serendipity of toy lenses and alternative process appeals on a deep emotional level that may be difficult to express in words but is wonderful to explore and learn from.
Eismann’s quote got me thinking and led me to ask you a few questions:
If you prefer soft-focused, dream-like photos, do you know why? Does that say something about your personality? Does it mean you like to “escape” into another world? Are you more an artist than a documentarian?
Conversely, if you prefer sharp-focused, realistic-looking photos, does that say something about your personality? Does it mean you tend to prefer facts over feelings? Are you perhaps someone who likes to “get to the point”?
Just Sayin’
I’m not purporting that one approach or style is better than the other. I simply find this to be an interesting topic, given that I continue to encounter folks who clearly (no pun intended) prefer one approach over the other. And as they express their preference, I can tell that it’s deeply held.
Let Me Have It
So what do you think? Have I shown one soft-focused, or over-saturated, or highly unrealistic artsy photo too many for your own taste?! Of course, in all honesty, although I’ll keep doing that, I do like a really good conversation. So please let me have your feedback.
Meanwhile, if you’re up to it, continue to the NEXT SECTION to see two more soft-focus flower photos. Sorry, I just couldn’t help myself! CLICK to see more soft-focus flowers!
Reaching for Spring
Close-up of tree branches with buds, reaching for spring.
Though winter temps have returned, the promise of spring fell upon us last week. It’s the promise of life and newness, of hope and redemption.
The sun invited us to lift our faces and bask in its warmth. The flowers and trees beckoned for spring’s benediction, reaching upward, reaching for sustenance.
Spring will come again, little ones. You will grow — and you will bear fruit.
CLICK to see more photos
