DAY 504

far from where I used to be

This is my Photo-Heart Connection of January. I thought that it would be any other photo but when I examined my photo files yesterday morning, my heart was captivated by this one, so I followed it, and tried to understand the reason why this photo caught my eye when I hadn´t even considered publishing it. 

Of course, we pay attention to some photos (and this is equally valid if we talk about circumstances, persons or any external stimulus) depending on our mood, that is, depending on what we are feeling, experiencing or thinking in a given moment. It is said that we see the world as we are, not as the world really is, and it´s totally true. Somehow, our feelings, thoughts and state of mind create the reality... at least, a way to perceive it.

According to my opinion, this is the main idea that underlies this challenge and this is also the reason why I love my photography practice. When I look at the photos that I opted for taking in a specific moment, they transmit me clear messages not only about what is happening in my life (as they are somehow documenting it) but also, about my inner world, whether I want it or not. Both kind of message are relevant but they cannot always been understood at first sight. Indeed, their meaning often become clear along their scrutiny and editing process -when I am immersed in the image and let my rational mind aside-.

When I came across this photo, I thought first of my winter walks and about how rewarding is to go outside in a cold day when the sun is shining.

Later I noticed the thorns (how not!) and the way light makes them look smoother... this led me, of course, to countless musings and ramblings.

But then, I got lost in the beauty of plants and this made me remember that for the very first time I am being able to grow plants at home (insert a proud smile here). My mother is one of those persons that has the proverbial green fingers so I grew up surrounded by plants, but I don´t know why I have always managed to kill them sooner or later. Nevertheless, at the end of last year something changed: suddenly, I felt that I needed plants around me and they have survived (I´ll write about that in an upcoming post).

When I was thinking this was the reason why I found this photo appealing, I realized something more and it was about photography itself. I am a newcomer to this field, so I have been trying this or that as part of my learning process. Till today, when someone was interested in my photos I was not able tell something specific about them. However, while contemplating this photo I could see something that I recognized it´s mine...

Something that pleases me, something that tells me that I have gone beyond the technical process, the doubts and the need of approval and have reached a new stage which is not about content, but about vision (in the widest sense of this wonderful word), it´s not about others and the way they perceive my work-who I am-, but about me and my gaze.

About me and my gaze... this words resonate deeply with my soul and while I am writing them I can see that they describe a ongoing change in the rest of my life too.