Showing posts with label Sunset. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sunset. Show all posts

20070731

On the Trail of Rapture

Off the Coast of Nova Scotia, Canada. Photo by Mr. Blue


I am fevered with the sunset,
I am fretful with the bay,
For the wander-thirst is on me
And my soul is in Cathay.

There's a schooner in the offing,
With her topsails shot with fire,
And my heart has gone aboard her
For the Islands of Desire.

I must forth again to-morrow!
With the sunset I must be
Hull down on the trail of rapture
In the wonder of the sea.


Richard Hovey (1864-1900)

20061116

Who am I Fooling?



For years I have carefully studied light, composition, contrast, balance, texture, rhythm and color in an attempt to develop an eye for photography. It has been one of my interests although I still am humbled by the skills of many artists. I have now been humbled by myself to such a degree that my confidence has been shaken. The photo you see before you was taken by me, but the circumstances are of interest.

As I was leaving the office I noticed the approaching sunset which had all ingredients of a memorable moment. About the time I pulled into rush hour traffic on the interstate the sunset began to peak. It was difficult driving in traffic and glancing at the sky. Suddenly I realized my camera was in the passenger’s seat. On the spur of the moment without much thought I opened the sunroof and while darting in traffic extended my hand out the sunroof ripping off a few shots without aiming the viewfinder or focusing. The photo you observe is a random reflex requiring no talent or framing. Staring at the photo I am startled that it may be equal to my best photos. All this time I’m telling myself that I have honed my skilled to an elevated state. Who am I fooling?


"He that wrestles with us strengthens our nerves and sharpens our skill. Our antagonist is our helper."

Edmund Burke (1729–1797)