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« light/dark | Main | stories of experimentation »
Sunday
Sep042011

a true story

I have been sitting here, staring at the computer screen, wondering what to write. It's late, and I'm tired, and my mind has apparently checked out. The truth is, I don't quite have the words to accompany this photo. I took it Friday night, and I wanted to share it with you because I think it tells the story of who and where I am today. I just wish that story could be told in words and sentences and paragraphs.

But all I have for you for now is this image. It's not much, but the story it tells is true...

Share with us today your images that tell the true stories of your lives, with or without the need for words.

P.S. Don't forget that we are giving away one $100 Paper Coterie gift card EVERY SINGLE DAY of September! Share a comment each day before midnight EST for your chance to win that day's random drawing. Be sure to leave links to your story shots.

Reader Comments (46)

I'll be thinking about those words on the mirror all day today, and probably beyond. Thank you.
September 4, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterRobin Troxell
I struggle to convey what is in my heart - sometimes in words, sometimes in pictures, sometimes both. The combination can be powerful.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/trebecca84/6027197131/
September 4, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterRebecca Weaver
That is a powerful image. The camera captures your reflection, but your gaze is averted...then again, you don't have to look into a mirror for reflection.

I have shared this image on SS before, but only now have I put the story with it. I believe sharing your story helps in lots of ways :)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/58821554@N06/5669281755/in/photostream
September 4, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterKelly
I'm glad I'm not the only one that struggles with words to go with pictures. Sometimes the pictures are hard enough.
September 4, 2011 | Unregistered Commenteranngeedee
thank you. your image and its story feel so resonant. (http://bit.ly/opM5Wr)
September 4, 2011 | Unregistered Commentermelissa
Wow. To echo another poster - I find this image powerful and I love the quote. I will be reflecting on this shot today as I think of story images of my own.
September 4, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterRenee Bonuccelli
I am drawn into contemplative quiet at moments like this. I have out this week in the early morning light and it's gifts have been "wordless" for me as well...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/yesandamen/6097721287/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/yesandamen/6102739751/in/photostream/
September 4, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterJunelle
What an amazing find, and so wonderfully photographed. (No wonder I keep coming back to this site to be inspired!) This is the story of my life on this exact day - thank you for inspiring me to shoot it and write it:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jennifee/6112459132/
September 4, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterJennifée
Today I share a picture that did just that. It actually didn't start out that way as I just was going about taking pictures of the family gathering. That is what I love about photography that sometimes the lens captures something for us that isn't revealed until we get on and see it in full screen. Powers words that come at us just by the image. - http://www.flickr.com/photos/17639235@N00/6112469378/
September 4, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterEllie A
That image speaks volumes.

Here's part of my story right now . . ..

http://dychedesigns.blogspot.com/2011/08/wish-me-luck.html
September 4, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterKathryn Dyche Dechairo
Sometimes a picture is all you need to tell the story...
September 4, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterLynne
Self-reflection is a powerful thing, whether in images or words or thoughts. You image is all that is needed here, you will make it through to the words on the other side.

I believe reflection is absolutely essential for growth. That's why I love my blog, it helps me reflect...
http://www.kateyeview.com/2011/08/heart-sees-deeper-than-eye.html
September 4, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterKat
Love the quiet moment in this image. Sometimes an image doesn't need great explanation.

Here's an image of mine that I feel tells a story. My cousin and his wife on their 30th wedding anniversary. They spent their special day schlepping us around Chicago to see the sights. But I caught this tender moment at the Field Museum.

http://dorisrudddesigns.wordpress.com/2010/06/18/june-14-2010/
September 4, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterDoris
That is me every day. Somehow, I've been struggling with the ability to put thoughts and feelings into words adequately. Instead, I fumble around with my photos, hoping that can convey my story.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/koreenphotography/6112111827/in/photostream
September 4, 2011 | Unregistered Commenterkoreen
this shadow says a lot about me despite showing very little
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22487105@N06/6111291316/
September 4, 2011 | Unregistered Commenterdamiec
yes. yes to this, yes to you. this is the power f our medium our chances to speak without the need for words.

it reminds me of the famous quote by ansel adams, "When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs. When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence."

i have many just like this in my self portrait set, days when fear or sadness or illness overtook me but days i still feel i needed to reach out as proof of life...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/14811117@N02/4305711132/in/set-72157619934683844
September 4, 2011 | Unregistered Commenterkristin
September 4, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterKathleen O.
I love that thought and reminder. Great image.

Here is one story of my son's determination. He struggled to learn the required Kata during this semester of karate class. It was a tough one, but he pulled it together in the end and I was so proud he did not give up.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bjakobsen-martin/6112764920/
September 4, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterBonnie
I think that reflection is the healthiest thing we can do.
I occasionally will make a collage to reflect the story. Here we took a camping trip to the woods with a full moon and abundant flowers. : )
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ridethewavesoflife/5977719395/in/photostream
September 4, 2011 | Unregistered Commenterbridge
so very honest and true.

this is a little meta but references a place where a story of a long friendship is unfolding anew via photos and "letters."

http://www.flickr.com/photos/impossibletask/6110787079/in/photostream/
September 4, 2011 | Unregistered Commentertara on the wander
http://lindats.wordpress.com/2011/08/17/home/

This tells the story of my life NOW right here where I am today. It is taken first evening back in Sweden after 7 months in California. It felt magical being back home in our house in the forest. The blueberries and chantarells is picked in our forest and the golden light was magic this evening. It all made me fell happy to be home.
September 4, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterLindaTS
such a beautiful true story it is. i love the reflection.

here is a link to a story about a quinceanera. what a beautiful time it was. my friends daughter turned 15. it's a day i will cherish, in every way.

http://soulaperture.blogspot.com/2011/09/quinceanera.html
September 4, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterChristina
Such true words, simply and elegantly told.

With the prompting of a friend, we are starting a month of self portraits. Completely uncomfortable, but where we are today.

http://www.shirleybehindthelens.com/2011/09/saturday-morning-and-self-portraits.html
September 4, 2011 | Unregistered Commentershirley
September 4, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterBeth
Glad to know I'm not the only one whose words sometimes fail.
September 4, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterMeghan @ Life Refocused
This mimics my thoughts as well - except my reflections have been poured into journals.

Apparently, I do a lot of reflecting!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/41706676@N00/6113282022/
September 4, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterHeather
I can relate to this. For me, my pictures are the stories and my words are my reflections. Some stories are easy to tell - I know what I want to say right away. Some times I'm not even aware of the story was until I reflect on it later.

http://picturesfromthepatch365.blogspot.com/
September 4, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterTrishb.
Great sentiment, but sometimes I wish my mind WOULD check out.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/maryk00/6113680947/in/photostream
September 4, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterMaryK
That's the cool thing about photography....you don't always need words....sometimes they're not even needed. I could tell before I even read your text...you were in a place that wasn't considered "artistic". We all have those moments...but they pass. Hope you get some much needed rest.
September 4, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterKelly
This is a picture of a simple connection. It has become an important part of our life.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mainmim/5967688650/in/photostream
September 4, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterLinda
my daughter, trying to sell her brother's toys: http://www.flickr.com/photos/liffords/4718167637/
September 4, 2011 | Unregistered Commentercheris
This is not my life, but the destiny of a barn. I am grieving the loss of barns here because, some barns had exquisite proportions, and were set perfectly on their site. Almost all new barns are metal.

www.day2dayradishes.squarespace.com
September 4, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterRadish
Great thought...
September 4, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterSharolyn
i don't think this photo needs any additional words. it's pretty much spot on as is.
September 4, 2011 | Unregistered Commenterjodi
Very powerful picture - I think it speaks even without words!
September 4, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterLynn Lynn
I am a concert photographer and always will be, simply because I can neither exist without my camera nor without being the girl at every gig, half lost in the music, and half lost in the moment.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/apartmentlife/5744455265/in/set-72157626774885582/
September 5, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterMelanie
this is the story i shared on my blog for Fathers Day

http://www.flickr.com/photos/magnetisedbylife/6115454476/
September 5, 2011 | Unregistered Commentermichelle
I haven't linked up in a long time, but your photo encouraged me to share exactly where I've been. My kids have been home and go back to school tomorrow. Yes...they argue and they are always poking at each other, but I LOVE having them around. That's my story...

http://jessicavescera.blogspot.com/2011/09/backyard-play.html

http://jessicavescera.blogspot.com/2011/09/few-more-from-playtime.html
September 5, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterJess
When in doubt, I fall back on the mushroom in my yard.

Beautiful shot by the way.

http://lifesignatures.org/wordpress/2011/09/september-5-above-below/
September 5, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterPuna
thank you for your sharing
September 6, 2011 | Unregistered Commentertablet
Thought provoking image. It remained of myself on those days that I need coffee.
September 7, 2011 | Unregistered Commenteralma
I was really looking for something like this.
It has helped me a lot, Keep it up, Thanks.
This is a good article worth watching,efox-shop
September 7, 2011 | Unregistered Commenterephone

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