Art of Seeing

Photography is the art of observation. It really has little to do with what you see, but more of how you see them. For instance, seasons. Most people will tell you there are 4 seasons, Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. While this is true, a photographer sees more of each season.

Seasons seem to come and go quicker and quicker. Seems like it was only yesterday as Spring was being embraced and now the Summer solstice has come and we are well into the heat. Of course, there are more seasons then Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring. When Spring returns, the days grow longer with more sunlight and warmth bringing on the joy of new life. Flowers emerge and bloom, animals awake from the dens, birds migrate as they also bring new life. Rolling into Summer we see the new life emerge more from hiding to feed on the plentiful plants from bunnies, squirrels to bear season!

There really is a limited time for the bear season here, it does have to do with coming out of hibernation, but also has to do with food source, temperatures, time of day, if they have cubs. As Fall will eventually approach, the retreat to the mountains and ends bear season but after the Fall equinox, there is another shift, the migration of birds and return of the Eagles. As we rotate around the Sun, the seasons for a photographer adjust. Not just the time the sun sets and rises will change, but the temperatures and clouds will change the voice of the sunrise.

As a photographer we adjust to not only what nature presents, but when and how. The art of seeing comes with timing, patience waiting and listening. There is a song being played, but you have to be still and listen.

"Let the Heaven rejoice

let the Earth be glad

let the sea resound

and all that is in it.

Let the fields be jubilant

and everything in them

Let all of the trees of the forest sing for joy

Let all the creation rejoice before the Lord" Psalm 96:11-13

We think listening is only with our ears and seeing is with your eyes, but when you listen to nature, listen with your heart. Nature sings from brilliant sunrises loudly with bold colors that warms the soul even on a cold Winter morning. If you listen with your heart, you can hear Heaven talking to you. Sitting out in the woods watching for a bear, close your eyes and listen to the sounds. It can be overwhelming while you might not yet see the bear, to hear it first. Not just the cracking of branches under its feet, but even the chewing of soft green limbs and leaves or rustling as it digs into a stump.

So next time you are outside and away from human noise, just pause, close the eyes and listen. As you open your eyes can you hear the forest voice sing? It will fill you with wonder and peace. Through nature we are given a wonderous gift, use the art of observation and take it all in. But do be mindful in presence of the bears, especially the big hungry boar or the sow with cubs.