The Absence of Color

I’m a big fan of black and white photography. Perhaps it’s the poignancy that captivates me. Or maybe the nostalgia factor. Whatever the reason, there is something about the absence of color that draws me in.

My tendency towards the monochromatic runs deeper than just photography and is often visible in my wardrobe choices as well as my dinner plate. I have a habit of wearing tan and tan and this uncanny way of cooking up (literally) an entire meal of one solitary hue. Despite what my husband might say, it’s totally unplanned. But, there’s got to be something to it, right? I only ask because I often find myself shooting photographs in much of the same way. There’s something compelling about capturing a color image that is washed so completely in a single shade, that you might question whether it is a color shot at all.

Is it just me or you ever find yourself curiously looking at a monochromatic palette through your viewfinder?  Care to share?

Love Thursday: February 14th, 2008

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!  

An admission:  historically, I've always rather disliked Valentine's Day, ever since I was a gawky tween, all knees and teeth, and the only person in class who didn't receive a Valentine.  Even now, as someone who is in a happy and loving marriage, Valentine's Day still makes me uneasy:  what's with all the jewelry ads on television?  The pressure to come up with the perfect gift?  The sheer commercialization of love?  I mean, granted, Valentine's Day is sort of a Hallmark Holiday, and it's certainly nice to be the recipient of such things, but is that really the only way to express love?

I say no.  Absolutely not.  As a matter of fact, I think I'm going to celebrate Valentine's Day a little differently this year:   

Today, Valentine's Day, in addition to making sure my husband and daughter know how much they're loved, I'm going to challenge myself commit a random act of love today.  It may not be overwhelming or grandiose; in fact, often the best acts of love aren't.  Perhaps I'll send a note or an e-mail to someone with whom I haven't  spoken in a while, telling them I'm thinking of them.  Or maybe I'll buy a small grocery-store bouquet of flowers and leave them anonymously on someone's doorstep.  Or maybe I'll leave a Love Note to my city in some random location. Who knows?  But I think I want to do something love-ly.  Take Valentine's Day back to what it's all supposed to mean.

 Of course, you can feel free to join me. :)

Anyway, Valentine's Day aside, Happy Love Thursday!   Please leave your links to your images of love in the comments below (and be sure to check out the beautiful work of camera shy momma, iyoyome, and nicky thomas and their depictions of love). 

And most sincerely, may your hearts be FILLED with love today, on this special, Valentine's Love Thursday Day! 

Sweet Nothings.

I have this thing against overhead lighting. It makes me cringe and do U-turns in restaurant parking lots. Because, despite what my husband says, the lighting IS just as important as the food. So, besides a few chandeliers (which are exempt from my ceiling-fixture aversion), I mostly use candles or lamps. And I get excited when it's time to turn them on at night too. They whisper sweet nothings to me, like "It's time to relax", "go put your sweats on" or "go get a glass of wine". They're good friends like that. Plus, they make great sources of light for taking photographs. I know, sometimes a bulb can look too yellowy or red. But I kind of like it. To me, it's warm, and soft. And it says "this photo was taken at night, when I was chillin' at home in my sweats". That in itself makes it super cool. Do you have any lamp-as-your-light-source photos to share?

More Than Enough

For the longest time, I've wanted a camera.  You have a camera, a little voice would answer in the back of my head.  And I'd have to nod and say, Yes, that's true.  My little point-and-shoot performed minor miracles for me, capturing moments of rare beauty and the kind of memories you want to hold close forever.  And I was grateful.

But then one day I rushed back to my unlocked car only to discover someone else had been there first, my hiding place discovered.  My little trusty camera was gone. 

I grieved for about five seconds and then determined it must be a sign.  An invitation even.  My time had come.  No more excuses.  I made a list of reasons why this was my next logical purchase and recited them religiously to my family members mid-click at B&H.  I need it for my business.  I need it for my blog.  I need it for our family.  The real reason, however, remained unspoken. 

I need this for my soul. 

What is it about seeing life through the lens that makes everything important come into focus?  What is it about letting in more light that puts everything in perspective?  What is it about filling the frame with something, someone you love that makes all the pieces of my heart fall into a perfect whole?

I know, I know.  I sound ridiculous.  But I can hardly help myself.  I am completely and totally in love with a new way of seeing the world, with the challenge and discipline of waiting, of watching.  I'm consumed with the task of drilling down to essentials, of uncovering magic in the most unlikely places.  I'm soaking up the experience of trying something new--even though I have no idea what I'm doing.  Even though my shiny new camera is for the most part a mystery machine in my hands. 

Someday I'll know how to tell a story with one shot that makes you want to weep.  Someday I'll know how to create an image that leaves you wistful and aching.  Someday I'll even know what AF means on that little round dial.  Or TV or AV or A-Dep, for that matter.

Until then, it will be all wonder and pure love--and right now, that feels like more than enough.

Photo and post courtesy of Guest Blogger Jen Lemen

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