Unexpected. That’s the word I woke up with today, my Photo-Heart Connection already formed in my head. The last couple of months have brought much that is unexpected my way: A new job I wasn’t looking for; a whirlwind trip to Ohio and my deep emotional response; a kitchen disaster that has left my house in a state of disrepair. I couldn’t have predicted the events that have come my way. I couldn’t have prepared.
So it shouldn’t surprise me that my Photo-Heart Connection comes unexpected this month, too. I didn’t even have to choose this month’s photograph. I knew, last night, as I prepared my photographs for review. I knew, this morning, as I woke up with a word in my head.
I love this photograph. I think, quite frankly, it might be the best one I’ve ever created. There is something about the composition, the light, the moment, the processing, which all work together beautifully to tell a story. For some reason, it brings to mind the Vermeer painting, The Milkmaid. I remember seeing this painting in person and being utterly amazed by it. Vermeer masterfully worked with the subject, the light and shadow, and the moment to tell a story that spoke to me centuries later.
So, similarly, this image speaks to me. But of what? An unexpected moment. A story to be told. A story of life, unfolding before us. A story of people, individuals, that cross our path and change things. A story of events that happen outside of our control. The question is, are we there to live it? Are we ready to capture it, no matter how unexpected, and hang on for the ride? Are we ready to be jostled and tossed about as we are pulled along?
I am getting better at being ready. This photograph proves it. The time, the place, the moment – all unexpected. But I was there, and responded.
And I’ll be ready and open for whatever comes next, however unexpected.
These last couple of months have been a bumpy ride, it seems. I’m one month into the new job and still figuring it out. Our kitchen is now marginally usable and we are still getting quotes to decide what we are going to do next. My first art fair is barely two weeks away and I’m spending much of my time to get everything ready. I haven’t had a lot of time or energy for my blog, or anything online really. But my photographs, working with the images from my trip to Ohio early this month, have been an unexpected creative bright spot. I have gained so much personally from working with them, seeing the stories within them. Stories of my father, my family, me. I am amazed and humbled by this art form, which is constantly revealing layers of my heart and soul.
What have you discovered this month? What is your Photo-Heart Connection? Share it with us here. I want to thank you all for your continued participation. I love how, regardless of how engaged I am at the moment, you continue to do this practice for yourself and share it with this community. This is not about me, it’s about each and every one of you. Such an amazing and humbling thing to realize.
PS – You can now link in with Instagram photos! Learn more here.
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A very precious photo Kat. I hope that things are well and level out for you soon.
What a gorgeous photograph, and, yes, it speak to the magic of capturing life with a camera. A perfect choice.
Rinda
Beautiful image and I can so see the Vermeer connection
what a beautiful photograph- something so tender and moving about it…
Oh yes, that image is wondeful – the light, the colours. Perfect! And I love the reminder to be ready to grasp these unexpected moments.
Oops! That should be “wonderful”, of course!
The light is perfect and just makes me want to go and let that calf suck on my fingers, as they will, if you’ll let them.
I happened to choose a photo of cows this month, too. Mine is for emotional reasons and not even close to the beautiful photo you posted.
This is indeed a very special image — the lighting, composition, gesture etc all comes together to tell a beautiful story.
What an incredible image Kat, it has so much ‘atmosphere’ to it.
This is truly a special photo! Timeless, simple, profound. And yes, I see the Vermeer quality too! His interior paintings/portraits were like this.
xoxo
Love image… There’s a movie out called, Tim’s Vermeer. You would absolutely love it.
Kat, I love this photo for all the reasons that have already been mentioned. I agree, I think it’s one of your very best – and that’s saying quite a lot. It touches my heart because it tells a story of a way of life that seems to have been lost today in all our technological hustle-bustle. It stirs feelings I don’t even have words for.