Shadows
Yesterday, I showed my wife the picture I placed in my last post. Her immediate comment was, “You took that?” Isn’t it wonderful when aspiring photographers have the love and support of someone dear who believes in them and their abilities? After I assured her I did indeed take the picture and didn’t steal if from some stock photography site somewhere, she told me it was good (see she really does support me). Then she stated what seemed a very obvious fact to her–”You like shadows.” A very astute observation, indeed. I do like shadows.
Today, I’ve been thinking about that truth. Shadows give a photograph texture, depth, and visual appeal. The contrast between shadow and light provide wholeness to a picture. The shadows complete a photograph somewhat like a ying and yang. Shadows represent completeness for me. A moment captured in time is not complete unless we examine the dark as well as the light. It’s a metaphor for life, I suppose.
Honestly, in my own life, I spend a good deal of time in the shadow. It’s not that I’m afraid of the light, but rather the people I love tend to find themselves in the darkness that life sometimes brings. As a result, I feel compelled to enter the darkness to be with them. Sometimes it’s my own darkness I find myself in, and I long for others to enter the shadows to provide a comforting presence. Shadows are not something to fear or avoid. They are simply that which gives life balance, texture, meaningful depth, and appeal–like a good photograph.
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