Recently I was standing on our balcony enjoying the spring sunshine when I happened to look down and notice these delicate shadows cast on the concrete patio below. I of course went inside the house right away to get my camera. Something I've learned from photographing close to home is that there are always new visual discoveries to be made even in your own backyard.
I never get tired of photographing the weathered stone walls in our neighbourhood. Every time I look at them, I see new abstract designs and patterns created by their talented builders. However, I was drawn to this natural stone wall mainly because of its earthy colours, which are the result of Mother Nature's artistry.
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I walk past this house on my street almost every day and seldom pay any attention to it. However, this time I decided to take a closer look and noticed these fanciful railing shadows cast on the front steps. Reminder to self: don't let things become so familiar that you stop seeing them.
I'm always on the lookout for worthwhile books on photography. One that I've just read and really enjoyed is The Little Book of Contemplative Photography by Howard Zehr. The author is probably best known for his work promoting restorative justice. However, he is also an experienced photographer. Zehr discusses a number of topics covered in other books on contemplative photography such as the value of slowing down, practicing mindfulness and exploring the ordinary, plus he suggests practical photographic exercises for the reader. However, what I find special about this concise book is the depth of philosophical and spiritual insight that it provides. It is much more than just another "how to" manual on photography.
This English ivy vine grows along our back fence, and I have photographed it many times. This closeup image is one of my favourites. Not only does it highlight the beauty of the bright green leaves, but it also evokes a sense of mystery.
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Some of the most interesting abstract art isn't hanging in galleries, but rather it is waiting to be discovered in the world around us. For instance, during a recent outing, I decided to pause and have a closer look at peeling paint on the surface of an old metal lamp post. When I went to photograph what I saw, an intriguing abstract design took shape in the viewfinder of my camera.
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When something catches my attention while I'm strolling around with my camera, I often become so immersed in the present moment that it seems as if the flow of time has stopped altogether. This feeling came over me recently when I happened to look up and was struck by the beauty of these glowing autumn leaves still clinging to the branches of a maple tree.
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When autumn arrives, this dogwood tree that grows in our front yard undergoes a complete transformation as its long, elegant leaves slowly change from green to crimson. Every time I look at them, I'm reminded that I don't really have to venture far from home to enjoy nature's beauty.
Photo © John S. Mitchell 2024
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In the fall, I always return to photograph this big sugar maple tree that grows in a park not far from my home. I'm not sure how old the maple is. However, judging by the girth of its trunk, the tree must have been planted well over a century ago. Its leaves turn a variety of hues, ranging from bright yellow to brilliant red. As they float to the ground, the colorful leaves form a carpet of memories beneath my feet.
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Every year, I photograph these flowers when they bloom in my back yard. I always make sure that everything is nice and sharp before pressing the camera's shutter button. However, this year I purposely blurred the focus in order to create an impressionistic effect that conveys the dreaminess of midsummer.
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