Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Everyday Magic

by Kelly

The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper. ~W.B. Yeats


What is it about bokeh that is so enchanting? How is it that those little orbs of out of focus light can transform even ordinary subjects into magical photographs.


I was pondering this as I was lying on the wet grass in my front yard this past Friday.  The light had transformed my entire, freshly-sprinkled front yard into a sea of crystals that seemed to almost dance in the morning sun. 


Raise your hand if you no longer care that your neighbors look at you funny as they are walking their children to school.  

{See...I knew I was in good company.}

Anyway, I know I've said this a million times, but I think it bears repeating here....I lead a very simple, ordinary life.  I go to work, shop for groceries, empty the cat litter, pull weeds.  There are no little fairies following me around sprinkling magic fairy dust on my morning commute.  Or in my flowerbeds.  And I suspect the same is true for you.


But yet, for those of us who are willing to get a little dirt on our knees or damp on our bellies, there is magic all around us just waiting to be discovered with our lenses.


To me this is the absolute joy of photography.  Seeing things through the lens that I might have missed otherwise.


And it is these types of moments...little bits of wonder and magic in my ordinary life...this is what makes me come alive inside. 


What makes you come alive?

9 comments:

Dotti said...

Oh! What a beautiful morning! A bokeh morning at that. Does life get any better than this? Such a nice treat to wake up to, Kelly. And I've long since stopped worrying about what my neighbors {or fellow tourists} think. Besides, remembering Terri's post yesterday, I've reached the age where I've earned the right to get down in the wet grass if I want to and nobody need raise an eyebrow, thank you.

AFishGirl said...

At this point in my life, I'm just danged grateful I can haul myself up after getting down there to get the shots. Beautiful post, Kelly. Yes, it's all around us. And often at ground level. What makes me come alive is stopping the busy mind long enough to behold it. And breathe in and out. And capture it in a photograph. Shove over on that lawn, I'm coming down with you. My lawn has deer poop so let's use your lawn.

terriporter said...

Oh, my, so much beauty to see in this post and a great start to my day! And the bokeh! Sigh . . . just stunning! I also really don't care much about what other people are thinking when I'm down on the ground shooting something. Getting the shot is worth the stares! And, as Pam said, I'm also grateful that I can get back up again! Yes, there is so much beauty to be captured and I am so happy that photography lets me see it because a lot of people don't. We're the lucky ones!

Cathy said...

Oh Kelly, this spoke to me so. You know how I love this point of view. Getting down is not so hard, but he getting up now! Not so pretty. Lovely photos.

Cathy H. said...

You certainly found some beautiful magic in your yard! Love this POV that makes the world so fascinating!

heyjudephotography said...

You are so good at this POV and your photos are stunning.

gina said...

These are truly beautiful -- the morning light and bokeh are magical! Who cares what the neighbors think!!

Ida said...

Oh wow you captured perfect moments here in your garden. The bokeh is delightful and the flowers are just gorgeous. I raised my hand by the way.

Carol said...

Yup - my hand is up too. I love these pics - can't decide on my favorite - but these seem like such a good example of you!
Having just returned from a trip with a photography group, I can tell you the only thing funnier than watching one photographer, is watching 20 spread out into their odd positions!! More power too us - and I am putting my hand down now, because I need it to get back up.....

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