Tuesday, February 10, 2015

The Power of Perspective


by Kelly




For me, taking pictures of daisies is sort of like eating Lays potato chips....I can't stop with just one.

One of the things I love about photography is how by changing my perspective I can tell a completely different story.  Even when it comes to a bunch of humble daisies.  By pulling back and including my kitchen doors, it puts my jar of daisies into context...a happy little flower on a cold, gray day.


But then if I change to my macro lens and get up close, tiny details come into focus and tell the story of a whole new world of possibility.


And what about the underneath of a flower?  An often overlooked perspective, but one with a unique beauty all its own.


As I was going through my photos the other day, I was thinking about the power of perspective.  And it crossed my mind how each of these stories about my humble little daisies is entirely true - one perspective does not negate another.  But individually they don't tell the whole story.


And I began to wonder how often I do this in my own personal life.  How often do I look at things through one perspective?  And when I am presented with a conflicting perspective, how do I attempt to reconcile that with my own singular experience?

What I've come to realize is that life isn't really that different than daisies.  Each perspective can be completely true - one does not have to invalidate the other.  And the best thing I can do is to make space in my heart for perspectives that might be different than my own.  Together they tell the whole story.

Until next time,

Kelly




18 comments:

Dotti said...

These daisies do lift my spirits this morning ... so impatient for spring. Not that our winter has been bad, it hasn't. I just love spring and flowers and daisies. Yes, flowers are as multifaceted as we are. And that's what makes us so unique. We're a complex species. But isn't it grand?

Peggy said...

What an interesting perspective...on the daisies and on life. It reminds me to look beyond what you first see and realize that there are other ways to look at things. I saw a quote once......there is no reality only perception. No two people have the exact same experience.

Marilyn said...

I love all the perspectives, and I like your analogy to life. Keep on shooting, Kelly.

heyjudephotography said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
heyjudephotography said...

What a beautiful analogy Kelly and a great reminder for all of us. How different the world would be if we all, as you say, made room in our hearts for different perspectives. Lovely Kelly.

terriporter said...

Love your "perspective", Kelly! It's one of the things I love about photography, that you can shoot the same thing from so many different perspectives and show so many different sides to your subject. But I hadn't thought about likening that to the rest of my life and I love that idea! Our perspective is not the only one and we need to keep our hearts and minds open to all the other perspectives. Great post, Kelly!

Unknown said...

Spit in perspective Kelly. Daisys are amazing and they don't even realize it.

Deanna said...

Beautiful post, Kelly. I love how you have taken s sweet daisy and given us a whole new "perspective". Lesson learned!!

simply bev said...

Wonderful post! I think you've given me a project to focus on (no pun intended!).

Kim Stevens said...

Yes, yes....I think in real life we all tend to use a zoom lens to frame life. We miss so much because we don't really have to change our perspective to see something. And perspective in photography and in life is everything especially when it comes to people.

Unknown said...

Daisies! My fav flower!! Love this post! Being open to different views and perspectives is vital for personal growth!

Linda/patchwork said...

Very good. The photos and the message.

Roxi H said...

How true! How true! Stunning photos!

Odd Moon Designs said...

I love your post! So well written. Beautiful image too!

leigh said...

Great post Kelly! I love your take on perspectives and the photos are gorgeous but I especially love that last one!

Barb said...

A really, really good post, Kelly - both photos and words.

kelly said...

thank you all so very much for your kind words. it's always so gratifying to know that photos and words resonate with you. love, kelly

Unknown said...

Such beautiful photos!

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