shifting focus

I feel it happening, my focus shifting inward.  It always happens this time of year.  The days turn cold and dark.  I find myself indoors so much more, nesting.  All I seem to want to do these days is cook and bake (and eat!  LOL ) or knit and sew. It is an unmistakeable urge that the change in seasons brings. This forces a change in my photography as well.  I am no longer strolling endlessly outdoors pointing my lens at the sun,  now I find myself here, at home, late night by lamplight with the workings of a quilt in my lap.  Two chocolate chip cookies and a half drank cup of coffee on the table with my needles and thread. The light feels too yellow,  but then maybe my eyes still need to adjust to the darkness.  I shoot at the work in progress in my lap.  I take a moment to take it all in. 

Do you feel a shift when the seasons change?  What do you find yourself focusing on when the light lessens?

Comments

[Audra Van Vliet]

Mainly, I just try to keep from going nuts. But other than that, I focus on knowing exactly when the sun rises, falls and weather reports. Weather reports are very important. Other than that, working with the weather and taking advantage of those foggy days and first snows, I read all the photography literature I can get my hands on, social network, and watch a lot of old movies. Just getting outside on those sunny days is important. I need all the help I can get in the winter.

http://lastpictureshowphotography.blogspot.com/2010/11/my-light.html

[Marcie]

What a beautiful piece of needlework!!!
I push myself to be outdoors...to photograph the undulating changing light:
http://marciescudderphotography.com/index.php?showimage=1362

[68beats ( meggie )]

I feel you ,Kristin. I don't go out with my nikon baby as much as I would want to but it's not that bad.
So I focus on myself ( aka selfies )

xo

[Valentina]

your book, which is now part of my x-mas wishlist, led me to your blog and wow.
Your Focus on Motherhood spoke to my heart. Being a quilter myself and totally understand that turning inward you mention. Capturing those moments of peace and creativity with my camera are so important to me. Another way in the attempt to stitch down life's fleeting moments.
Lovely stitches, by the way! And those buttons make perfect happy daisies!
Valentina in faraway Cyprus

[Puna]

I actually love this beginning of the winter season. It makes me want to cocoon and hibernate. My focus goes to the inside of my home and I just want to focus on its small delights, like my china. However, you should ask me this question again in February and see if I feel the same way!

http://lifesignatures.org/wordpress/2010/11/dinner-party/

[Jen at Cabin Fever]

I always think the shift of seasons comes at a perfect time. It is like my body knows EXACTLY that its coming and its time to start focusing inward. Its a warm and calm feeling. Somehow I think people are meant to "internalize". Its our way of hibernation.

http://www.nekphotography.blogspot.com

http://www.cabinfeververmont.com

[Alex]

I have to admit, I begin to focus inward as well...
then, always the restless one, I panic and run outdoors to try to hold on to the light:
http://wildfledged.tumblr.com/post/1592579900

I love your sample(r??). I wish I could sew.

[ELK]

kristin .. a lovely piece ..

living in the south the fall is not as changeable .. the light is still ever present..but
this is a "season" of change for me in my life as my youngest left the nest .. I too ..
have taken to needle and thread..

http://www.redorgray.com/2010/11/string-shadows.html

[erika]

You know it! It was pouring yesterday & not a pretty rain shower either. I kept thinking how I was going to pull off one picture for 365. Then my son had his belly under a lamp & I remembered that I had to use whatever light I was given.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/onemoreplease/5183976503/

[Corinna]

Since we've lost daylight I have found myself pulling out my tripod and shooting at night a lot more often. It's fun some nights, but I know that this winter is the time for me to finally start learning to love the flash. Not there yet, but my time is coming!

http://www.birdwannawhistle.com/blog/2010/11/12/november-valentine.html

[Angie Willis]

I hate not being able to get out and I hate the way it gets dark by 4:00pm. But I also find I pick up those half-finished bits of embroidery or tapestry from last year (and the year before and the year...). I also have an overwhelming urge to dunk a biscuit (cookie!) in my coffee in the winter :-)

[Jess]

First off, checking in with Shutter Sisters is one of my first stops in the morning. I love to look at the home page and read the authors thought for the day as well as review many of the comments. I also enjoy following through on the links to see what others have been working on. So much inspiration. During these months I feel like the darkness strangles me at a time when I'm usually taking a walk/hike with my family, or heading out to nighttime activities. So glad I'm not the only one who feels that these months drag. Perhaps, this year, I can seek my therapy by taking the classes offered by Tracey. I'm looking forward to Picture the Holidays beginning in just a couple of weeks.

[Angela]

Oh yes, the focus is inward at this time of year. I'm lurking around the corners of my house trying to find something to photograph in the dark light. Fortunately, my Christmas Cactus just bloomed and gave me a photo opp:

http://angela-hemming.blogspot.com/2010/11/beyond-sad-seeking-light-and-warmth-in.html

[Chelsea C]

Also focusing inward. Not only literally...staying inside more, cuddled on the couch, with the pets and a cup of something hot, baking, browsing recipes, my favorite blogs, and photographs online, etc. But also focusing on my inner self, thinking of what I am thankful for, what this time of year means to me, and enjoying the time with family. Even though it is still chilly outside, I love to sit in my favorite chair in the mornings, under a blanket, with hot tea or coffee or cocoa, and admire the beauty of the light streaming in.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chelscham/5157082946/in/set-72157624448833873/

[Desiree Cherisse]

Yes, I feel the same way! The colder it gets the more I want to stay indoors. And when that happens I like to eat more and workout less LOL!!!

[Beth]

I wake very early for work. That, combined with daylight savings, forces me to think more about my mornings.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/14632491@N07/5180387330/

[Betty R aka SouthJrzyGrl]

Ohh!! I feel exactly the same way!! I've been knitting, baking and cooking so much lately. It's like the hiernation has begun! My oldest son is the opposite though. He LOVES the colder weather and he actually remains quite active during the wintery months.

[spread your wings]

because of the lack of daylight when I leave work, much of my photography consist of iphone photos from my office window. i have such an awesome view from the 18th floor - i'm lucky to be able to see the landscape from this perspective
http://www.flickr.com/photos/autumnsun/5183142871/
the darker evening hours allows me to enjoy nice fires in the fireplace and helps keep me more focused on my craft.

[Kate.S]

I'm just reallly trying to keep winter at bay by holding tight on to wonderful Fall :)

http://katesettle.wordpress.com/

[Julie Alvarez]

I wrote a few days ago about shifts of focus. Different reasons, but the same idea:
http://juliealvarez.blogspot.com/2010/11/cambio-de-tono-en-nuestros-dias-tone.html

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[joey]

My focus never really changes. It can't. We just do what we do in the snow.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/19379573@N06/5187148666/

[Jet Harrington]

In the dark, I find myself seeking out and appreciating whatever light there is. That means I've moved back to my office with its south-facing window, so that I can see those few, low rays as the sun moves along the tree line.

And it means I take a lot of photos of twinkle lights and candles.

http://scatterbeams.aminus3.com/image/2010-10-13.html

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