Beauty in the small things
The most valuable lesson that photography has taught me is to see beauty in the small things.
When I first learned how to use my new camera I was constantly searching for photo opportunities. I tried hard. It took time but eventually I found new perspectives, praised bad weather (think dramatic clouds, rainbows, rain drops on plants), and spent so much more time outside. I started recognizing beauty in the simplest of ways. No matter where I am, or what type of grand scenery I am a part of, I make sure to slow down, and look down. This was learned behavior, and I owe that to my photography hobby. I make sure that I don't pass by the flowers, or the dew drops on a spider web, or a puddle of water reflecting the passing storm in the sky. These are the most precious little gems and I will never take them for granted.
Recently, while babysitting for a neighbor, I found myself in the company of a three year old. While walking down the sidewalk, he squealed with excitement for the simple fact that he found two bugs. One was bigger so of course he called that one the "mama bug." They didn't do anything amazing, but he was SO amazed. We sat and watched them for a solid 25 minutes, talking about them and how many legs they had. We "helped" one flip over off of its back with a stick. I realized that most of us would have never stopped for that. This three year old was observant, and curious, and he looked down.
Photography is my link back to that childlike curiosity. After years of using a camera I realized this: That I've often sat in the woods to watch animals, rested on the ground so many times to see things differently, bundled up in storms to go see what it's like.. I have become curious again. I've looked "weird" in public trying to get a different angle for a photograph. I have spent so much more time in nature. I've been more observant and that has shown me so much beauty, in such small ways.
Beauty in the small things.
Sunset in Big Sur, CA. I could have focused on the rocks in the distance, or the Ocean, but this is what caught my eye :)
Sweet little succulents in Yosemite National Park
Post rainstorm beauty. I was outside of a tailor shop taking this picture and the owner came out and told me to pick a succulent to take home with me! I planted it, and it has already sprouted new life in four different areas since then. That simple act of kindness really made my day <3
A gorgeous rose at my sister's NYE wedding reception
I really don't like flying but I was able to find beauty in these out of focus city lights. A beautiful distraction.
Pleasanton, CA. Little downtown details.
We were stuck in (really bad) traffic and the color of these flowering trees was so beautiful, I had to get out of the car!
Dreamy details in Carmel, CA
I found these flowers that remind me of tissue paper, waited for the next rain, and had the most peaceful morning sipping coffee and taking pictures.
There is a grand view behind these glasses but a lot of the time I choose to capture easily forgotten details.
Beauty in the small things.
