When I read a description that included the words old iron gates, columns and foundation remains, I had to visit Wormsloe Plantation near Savannah, Georgia. Arched stonework , hand-forged gates, and a live oak-lined drive didn’t disappoint. Standing over the foundation of the house, I barely heard the interpreter as I shot in lawn-sprinkler mode: turn, shoot pause, turn, shoot, pause….I had the rhythm but not the engagement. So I wandered off down a path toward the river. No tourists, no interrupted thoughts as I stood admiring the river. It had provided for those who had lived on the land for generations and vowed silently to continue.As I took notice of my surroundings I realized the still life in front of me , calm in the afternoon light , would recall the afternoon in a way that none of my automatic shooting could. I accepted the gift and made one shot.
Lately, as I have been reading about contemplative photography, which talks about receiving rather than making photographs, I have the example of that December afternoon to remind me.
July 17th, 2012 at 1:19 pm
Beautiful!
July 17th, 2012 at 5:38 pm
Thanks, CarolAnn.
July 17th, 2012 at 1:41 pm
I like the comment about contemplative photography. It is something I try to take with me when I go out shooting; sure I usually go with a specific project in mind but many times I “find” something greater than my original idea.
July 17th, 2012 at 5:40 pm
I think that makes sense. So often I think about what I’m going to see rather than what I am seeing. I have been trying hard to be more in the moment.Thanks for commenting.
July 17th, 2012 at 3:36 pm
Not following the crowd and taking time to absorb the environment usually pays dividends I find. Happened to me a lot and of course it’s in my nature to go the other way when in a crowd!
July 17th, 2012 at 5:41 pm
If we keep going the other way, soon we’ll have our own crowd.I still need to learn to be more purposeful.
July 17th, 2012 at 4:09 pm
What a perfect expression of your photography: receiving it rather than making it. So true! Thank you for the glimpse of your area.
July 17th, 2012 at 5:42 pm
Thanks for taking a look.I’m trying to learn to be receptive.
July 18th, 2012 at 4:38 am
What a beautiful photo! It really captures that one, still moment when you connected with your surroundings. I loved your description of going into lawn sprinkler mode….so true for those of us who hate missing a good shot!
July 18th, 2012 at 9:58 am
My problem is that I do it too often because I am afraid of missing something.Thank you for understanding.
July 18th, 2012 at 8:20 am
Wonderful works! I find lots of inspiration here, looking around at how someone else “receives” and perceives. I also enjoy your written commentary and poetry. I’m not a poet, and I tend to stay shy of writing about myself, which is why personal comments are rare on my blog… I usually try to let the pictures speak for themselves. 🙂
July 18th, 2012 at 10:01 am
I’ve been writing on and off forever. Sometimes it’s months and years between poems. But personal comments are just your opinions and feelings. It helps others get to know you a little better.Other people have no right to judge. Either way, your photos do speak for themselves. Thanks for your kind comments. I’m still trying to learn to receive better.
July 18th, 2012 at 9:31 am
Wow, you are so lucky to live in a place with such beauty! I could stare at the picture all day. Great job!
July 18th, 2012 at 10:08 am
Thank you for your kind words! It is peaceful . It’s about a 15 hour drive from home. One of my goals is to move closer to the ocean again. It’s been too long. Thanks for visiting my blog.
July 23rd, 2012 at 3:08 pm
This really is brilliant. The only problem I have with it is that I didn’t take it 😉
July 23rd, 2012 at 5:18 pm
So next time I go to shoot, I should call you?:) Thanks for your lovely comment!