I love photography, as those of you who know me, are already well aware.
The thing with taking pictures is that when the sky is clear and the sun is bright is one of the worst times to take pictures. Shadows are harsh. There is a lot of glare. People are squinting. I'm not saying that you can't get good shots then, but generally it's not ideal.
Some of your best shots happen when the light is coming or going--early or late in the day and, if you're taking nature pictures, when the sky has texture--when there are clouds.
The picture above was taken during a thunderstorm before dawn at the beach last summer. The noise woke me up, and when I went out onto the balcony and saw those clouds, I ran back inside to get my camera. Cha-ching! Clouds rule!
Writing is very much like that. The clouds/trials give texture to our stories. They add drama and beauty. Without them there would be very little to tell. As writers our own trials and stormy times help us write them better for others. They may be awful to go through, but, at least, we can look at the positive side and say they help make us better writers.
Hurray for clouds, eh?
21 comments:
This is a lovely post, with lovely photos to accompany it. Thank you.
Well said.
I want to know what beach it is, too, because I want to move there immediately...
Gorgeous photos!
Aww, what a wonderful way to put it! This was my favorite part to put in at the end of The Breakaway - how Naomi explains that clouds are best for pictures, and same for her life, consequently. :)
And I am really impressed with those pictures. I can't wait to stand next to you and take pictures together. Now I really want to move there... it's absolutely splendid.
*I'm gasping with jealousy*
Thanks! I love me a good beach. I grew up in SC and have spent a lot of time on the beach, but these pictures are from NC beaches. We decided that since we live in NC now, we should go to some of the beaches in our own state. The first picture (during the storm) was on Emerald Isle in the Salter Path area. It was gorgeous. Very picturesque! The picture at sunset was on Topsail Island.
Gorgeous photos!
I can't take a clear photo to save my life. Hence why I don't own a camera.
Wow, just beautiful. Stunning pictures, and such wisdom. It's all about the clouds:)
Sarah, I would feel at a complete loss not to have a camera with me when I go anywhere cool. Taking clear pictures is a lot easier than you might think. I could teach you. A lot of it is in the camera though. The really cheap ones can't take a good picture to save their souls.
Natalie, thanks. It's like in art the dark areas make the light areas pop.
Amazing pictures! I love the beach! Deep thoughts. So true!
What a wonderful analogy. Thank you!
Alyssa, Thanks! You and me, girl! Peas in a pod!
Beth, thank you, and you're welcome.
WOW! you are soo talented! These pictures are gorgeous! My hubby loves to take pictures too! It's so great to have for later, you know?
Thank you. I love having them for later. That's part of why I take so many. I like to relive the experience with pictures.
What a great comparison! It forms such a nice visual image!
Thanks! I'm a very visual person, so that kind of thing really works for me.
Lois...those pictures are beautiful. You definitely have an eye for it! Thanks for sharing.
Karen, Thanks for stopping by. You know me and my camera. Always together.
You really are a talented photographer! And I LOVE North Carolina beaches. When I was little we used to go to the Outer Banks, but now we go to Sunset Beach. Your pics are making me long for the coast. Winter is my favorite time to go!
Thanks, Becky, I've never been to Sunset Beach. I did go to Holden once a long time ago. So when you go do you take the trip over to Calabash for the shrimp?
These are great photos. :)
Thanks, Justus! I'm so glad you finally got my shout out for helping with the name of the blog. Thanks again.
Post a Comment