It’s all in the light. Beautiful, heavenly rays of sunshine through the blossoms.
I photographed a lot of tree blossoms in March. As I looked through the photographs, I realized the photographs were of the blossoms, yes, but they were also of light. Sunlight in the evening, sunlight after rain. The sunlight created the beauty, as much as the blossoms on the tree.
So many of these images were taken in what now seem to be fleeting moments. A chance encounter: Me, my camera, and the right light at the right time. A week or two later, the blossoms are now fading and the rains have returned. As I look at this dazzling beauty from a couple of weeks ago, I am full. Full of gratitude, for that brief moment in time, I was able to be fully present. Full of awe, for what I was able to create out of the experience. Full of hope, the hope that spring always brings along with it.
This is what life is about, isn’t it? Brief moments of time, lived to their fullest. Noticing the sunlight on the blossoms, when it is available. Being present and active and engaged in what life offers up, every day.
This moment in time is all we have. It’s where we choose to be; what we choose to see, to capture, to do with the moment that matters.
This month’s Photo-Heart Connection brings me an important reminder. I so often live in the future, asking myself, “What do I have to get done next?” No matter what I’ve completed, there is always, always something else on the list. But this morning I’m reminded by light on blossoms, blossoms and light now long gone as I write this, that I can’t always be thinking about what’s next. I need to be present in this moment, living fully in the here and now, to appreciate and see what life is bringing me. This is hard for me. So very hard. I think I’ll print and hang this image of light on blossoms in a prominent place to remind me of this month’s message: Be present.
What is your Photo-Heart Connection this month? Have you been seeing the light on the blossoms, or are you struggling through some darkness? Whatever the message, it’s important to listen to your heart — it’s speaking through your art. I hope you’ll share what you find with us.
I love that line “Brief moments in time, lived to their fullest”. I think I my make that my mantra for April. As Spring struggles to emerge here, I will be looking for those brief moments. Thank you Kat!
Celebrate those brief moments, Sarah!
Good Morning Kat … oh to live in the moment … thank you for such a great reminder. Your photo is so beautiful and your processing so perfect for it … it compliments the blossoms perfectly!!
Thanks so much! I guess we all needed the reminder.
It’s always about the light, it isn’t always about stopping to drink it in-to live in the moment. I am so dictated by light or the lack of and have become more aware of that as a photographer.
I think this image will be a lovely reminder to “stop and smell the blossoms”.
You know, for me photography is not always about the light. It’s usually about the lines, and I make do with the light I have. So finding the light an integral element for this month’s favorites was fun!
I love your blossoms, Kat! What a beautiful image to remind you to stay fully present and enjoy the moment! I struggle with this too. I also am reminded daily of how powerful the light is — I seem to be noticing it more and more. Wonderful photo-heart connection.
Whenever I write “Here and Now” I think of you and your blog name, Gina. Such a perfect reminder to stay in the moment.
Blossoms would be fantastic . . . we experienced more snow and ice through March. The sun is out today though and for that I am thankful.
Sun is always good! I guess we are a bit ahead on Spring here in Oregon than other places. It’s coming to you too!
Oh yes, right here, right now . . . it really is the only place to be. And we do have to seize those moments for the light and everything will be different and no matter how hard we try we can’t re-make that exact moment. I’ve been really exploring abstract and in camera movement and have at times tried to go back to an exact spot and every time it is completely different. But I think my son’s illness that started last year really put even more intention into my step. Wonderful connection, and gorgeous light!
So… was that an intentional reference to the Jesus Jones song “Right Here, Right Now” Kim? Because your words took me back to college in an instant! Now I’m singing… Right here, right now, there is no other place I want to be… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwpjsToHzAE
I read your connection after writing mine – I love the synchronicity and of course your levelly photo
I love it when that happens! We are on the same wavelength. 🙂
Oh, what a gorgeous image! (Spring still hasn’t arrived where I am, so I love seeing other people’s blossoms!) Lovely thoughts, too.
Amazing to think your blossoms have come and gone already. Ours probably won’t open til May, when it seems like everything bursts into leaf and bloom at once. Love the light in your image and words.
Those were just the early blossoms. We are still blooming here! A long, continually blooming spring is the payback for Oregon’s grey winters.
Oh… what a beautiful photo! I can relate to what you say about being fully present, this is something that photography makes me be aware of…