Inspired by my new Nikon camera, this week’s gratitude post is about light. Most of us are familiar with phrases like “shed some light”, “let there be light,” and “keep in the sunlight.” One of my favorite quotes about light was written by Edith Wharton: “There are two ways of spreading light; to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” Light is thought to be a symbol of creation, truth, understanding, generosity, altruism, life, purpose, and hope, and that is only naming a few. In photography, light is technically important for letting the camera achieve an image that mimics what the eye sees.
What I love about taking photos is that it helps me to notice beauty wherever I go. Throughout my day I find my eyes searching for color, shape, form, texture, and more, and then, I think about whether or not such a photo would be taken in good light.
Of course, there are times when my eyes and mind notice something beautiful and I forgot or have no access to my camera. When this happens, my husband is quick to remind me that our experiences are what matter most. “Make a memory,” he says. So here are a few memories, or rather, moments from our everyday where I notice beauty and make an imprint upon my mind:
At daybreak, I see
a slumbering baby nestled next to her dad
fog hovering over purple echinacea
runners and bikers with the roads to themselves
and deer grazing on wild grass
At midday, I see
red, blue, green, silver, and bronze cars crowding local plazas
Annabelle excitedly waving her arms, dancing to hip hop in the backseat of my car
ducks basking in the sun and waiting for generous visitors
and shadows cast on purple echinacea
At 5 o’clock when the sun softens, I see
neighbors returning home from work
my husband and daughter weeding our vegetable garden
mosquitoes leaving their mark
and smoke rising from summer barbeques
At dusk when lights go out, I see
the outline of Toby’s tail as he walks across our bed
tall trees swaying outside of our windows
laugh lines on my husband’s face as he watches Jon Stewart
and a busy toddler fast asleep, my baby once again.
