Serene



Through the Woods

Progression

Over the last few weeks I've noticed myself trying to churn out photography and not being in the groove. I started the blog as a way to get important topics on my mind out and to share my passion for art and photography. Seeing as I shoot film, there's a direct monetary effect when it comes to having the film scanned, and also the fact that it may take an entire month for me to shoot one roll.

So to continue the steady progression of my blog, I'll be having a mix of some digital photos alongside my film. I'm working on my self-assigned portrait project and will continue my nature photography. In terms of having a visual aid with my writing, the digital photography will act as a buffer for future film awesomeness. My next post will still most likely be film, but hang in there with me for exciting new photos and features!

Vacation

It's hard to believe that it's been a year since my wife and I got married. This year, like every year, went by more quickly than I could have ever imagined. After lots of saving, we were finally able to make it to the beach. And wouldn't you know it that it was overcast most of the time. With that said, we had a blast!

We got to go to a zoo and had a 20-minute 'encounter' with a Serval, met a kangaroo, and saw all sorts of interesting animals. The water was just right, the sand cool, the breeze wonderful. It was great to be able to just relax. There's something about being in the ocean that puts everything into perspective. The sound of the ocean alongside the immensity of the endless horizon is a serene, delicate, intense alchemy of hope and understanding. Enjoying all this beauty and relaxation with my wife, my other half, is heaven.

The Youth of Today

Once, whether now or years ago, we're all young. We laugh at ourselves, play in the sand, and we depend on our parents. Everything is beautiful and the problems of the world cannot touch us. Years go by and we become afraid. Fear grows as insecurities, dislike, and a lack of purpose. Mistakes are made and not learned from. Creativity dwindles as our childlike ambition becomes bitter reality. The world takes shape not as what we had hoped for, but as a place where our childhood monsters take shape.

I saw this little girl and her mom sitting together at the park. It was something simple and inspiring. A parent and her daughter enjoying a sunny afternoon. The kind-hearted, sunny days of the present are the sweetest memories of the future. And with this one chance at life, all we can do is try.

To all of those who grew up too fast, those with regret festering in their heart, and to those who are in dire need of a moment of peace, know this: we're all in this life together. Let's make the most of it. We're all important, and we can all make a difference.

Restaurant Portrait

I met this young lady at a resaurant here in town. She was very kind and had a gentle smile. I'm glad she was nice enough to let me photograph her.

streamofconciousness

Somewhere between hope and sadness lies a man's heart. Strength and silence bond as a pessimistic alchemy. Love becomes a past tense word left meaningless without purpose. The purpose of which man becomes whole, strong, and beyond abstract thought is woman. Caring, alongside the slightest hint of torment, molds man into something more than himself; into someone he no longer regrets being.

The Danger of Middle-Grey

Life is black and white. There's a fine distinction between right and wrong, heartfelt kindness and ulterior motives, and compassion versus turning blind eye.

The danger of middle grey, of the 'in between', is giving oneself an excuse for doing something wrong. Delving into grey gives excessive moral latitude. Without getting political, world-wide difficulty accumulates because people aren't held accountable for what they do. In my own life, I completely expect to get in trouble for my wrongs. I can't help being wrong as much as I can stop the sun from rising. As such, I wonder sometimes if leniency and the 'slap on the wrist' mentality is the reason behind a lot of unnecessary grief.

All this brings me to my thought of the day. I want to do right by others so in turn they will do right by someone. No one is perfect, but we can get caught up in excuses and 'middle grey' easily.

If circumstances allow, would you take advantage of a situation? Is the double-standard your point of view?

Followed

This boy is being chased by someone from within this barn. Someone who yelled,"who's out there?" and, "leave me alone" in a truthful and angry tone. He lurked and watched, brooded and waited. The boy's sibling had already disappeared into the dark; his mother knew all too well what the boy's fate would be. He ended up being taken and never seen again.

April Fools! Actually, the boy's dad was quite the joker. The boy literally ran in fright from his dad's farmer accent. My wife and I laughed to ourselves.

*Anyone out there in internet land is more than welcome to leave their own version of the story for this image. Be creative! If you try to post and it doesn't appear, try to click the 'Preview' button. You can also shoot me an e-mail at midnightrookphotography@gmail.com with your name and I'll be more than happy to post the story.

Thanks for staying tuned!