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Photography:A Snapshot of Our Existence

Photography has become to me, more than just a hobby. I capture moments of Madelynne's life, that would have been missed or otherwise revisited in just memories. I'm fortunate to be able to hone in on those special moments, even if it takes me 100 pictures to find the best one. I am grateful for what photography does to the human condition and soul, how it opens up the world around us and puts things into perspective.

For instance, I love nature photographs and landscapes. The first link below looks so intently at the microscope, macro images of the very beautiful and intricately designed snowflake. How on earth did the decision in the grand scheme of creation, did the simple snowflake get to be as unique as to show that no two snowflakes are alike. These are blatant reminders of our true existence, midst an array of diverse people, with no real doppelganger out there.

http://www.viralnova.com/snowflakes/

Then, landscape photography is a whole new playing field. It is something I strive to look at and take when we hike deep into the back country of the Wild Olympics. We try to capture those split moments when the rushing water of a creek is slowed down via a shutter speed, to produce that smooth flowing look that many landscape photographers encapsulate. I also cannot get enough of night photography, the moon and stars illuminated over a course of time lapses, highlighting the milky way and the world of galaxies far away.

http://cwexplorationphotography.com/

But what blows my mind are the photographers who capture life. Who capture the moments we tend to turn away from because it hurts. The moments that allow us to see into the depths of the emotion that we all share on this humble earth. These photos in the next few links will catch your breath and make you cry. They will make you reevaluate your very own existence and purpose, and remind you that a photograph captures more than just a moment. It captures memories. Good, bad, ugly, lasting memories. Time capsuled moments defined only by pixels.


http://www.upworthy.com/a-husband-took-these-photos-of-his-wife-and-captured-love-and-loss-beautifully


http://www.viralnova.com/30-awesome-photos/


I love real, raw photography. I love photography that is edgy and definitive.  I stumbled upon Kate Parker's photography by accident and wrote her a lovely note, proclaiming what beautiful work she does. Her photography looks like Norman Rockwell paintings come to life. Her composition and processing leave the viewer pondering the story the scene is setting. Stunning black and whites, composed and cropped backgrounds...just astounding.

http://www.katetparkerphotography.com/#/children/

And finally, the different view of the world through reflections. Cityscape photographer, based out of Seattle, uses reflections to capture moments  we might have walked right by and not even thought twice about. Ever since we came across his shop at Pike's Market, I now find myself looking down at a unique oil pattern on the wet pavement, and wondering what it would look like in a picture.

http://reflectingonseattle.zenfolio.com/

I may never attain the title of "professional" but these photographs and photographers all inspire me to look beyond just the "say cheese" and seek those moments that spotlight a memory, trip up the emotions, squeeze the heart, and wretch the soul.

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