not afraid of the dark

Photography is all about light. Some days, though, the sun has set and I realize I haven’t clicked a frame. This can a big frustration but, then, limitation can spark creativity, too. Letting go of any expectation that the images will be sharp & clear, embracing this grainy, dim aesthetic, looking for any trace of light – it results in a different type of picture. Always better than throwing in the towel on the daily photo and often quite surprising.

194/365: raindrops on korean maple at twilight

and now

One of the things I love to capture in my garden photos is the juxtaposition of the plants and flowers that are fading away and those that are just emerging. It’s a more honest way of seeing the garden and I find there is beauty in every part of the cycle.

147/365: azalea petal and lily pad

after the rain

Few things are more delicate, fresh, and lovely than raindrops on petals (roses or otherwise). There’s also a depth to the light that emerges after a storm – a softness and subtlety that brings out the richness of colors more than sunshine ever could.

144/365: iris

05.23.13 raindrops on maples

Four days of sporadic downpours. Water in the basement. Mud everywhere. And bunches of tender, new leaves already on the ground. Today’s gift of sunshine was so welcome; I think we all grew an inch under those nurturing rays.

143/365: raindrops on maple leaves

05.20.13 i love a rainy night

Once upon a time, I watched Eddie Rabbit perform this song on Solid Gold:

Well I love a rainy night
I love a rainy night
I love to hear the thunder
Watch the lightning
When it lights up the sky
You know it makes me feel good.

I had a big crush on him around age 10. And I really DO love a rainy night.

140/365: indoor/outdoor rain scene

04.13.13 april showers

Last week, in Minneapolis, our April showers came mostly in the form of snow. I don’t even want to talk about it really. When it melted on the skylight in my studio and made the naked trees look kind of lovely and forlorn, I just pretended it was spring rain after all.

103/365: skylight, twilight