Photographing Light

Light is one of my favorite subjects to photograph.  This is why:  

"In the right light, at the right time, everything is extraordinary." - Aaron Rose

 “The artist vocation is to send light into the human heart.” – Robert Schumann

Temple of ECK, Contemplation Trails, Chanhassen, MN
"...the Light of God is symbolically represented in most religions. Stained glass, precious stones, and skylights are common in religious structures. Native American celebrations, as well as those of certain other religions, use fire and drums, as well as chanting, all examples of light and sound. Each ceremony represents the effort of people to speak to God in their own way..."http://www.eckankar.org/light.html

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

“Light gives of itself freely, filling all available space. It does not seek anything in return; it asks not whether you are friend or foe. It gives of itself and is not thereby diminished.” 
― Michael Strassfeld

Virginia

“A picture must possess a real power to generate light and for a long time now I’ve been conscious of expressing myself through light or rather in light.” – Henri Matisse

“There are two ways of spreading light… To be the candle, or the mirror that reflects it.” – Edith Wharton

Inspiration is Everywhere

...if you're looking.

I came across a quote today, "You may ask:  If God is more powerful than Satan, why doesn't God stop this foolishness?

Because the negative power is an agent for God.  His job is to act as the schoolmaster, following God's will.  God said, 'I've got a schoolroom of children here.  Make sure these Souls get enough of an education so that when they graduate, they can go into the spiritual worlds and stand on their own two feet.  Their destiny is to become Co-workers with God, helping me in the administration of my worlds.' "

--  Harold Klemp, "Touching the Face of God

It inspired me to sort through my photographs to make a new image, possibly a new series, "Earth is a Classroom."  After looking through a few dozen pictures, I settled on these two:

A photo of one of my nephews taken by his mom on his first day of kindergarten.

and....

Frontier Village, North Dakota

 I took the second photo myself a number of years ago and thought it had potential, although I was not sure how it would all come together.

After merging the two, making some refinements, and playing with the painting design, I finally arrived at this:

"Earth is a Classroom"  # 1 in my possible new series.  I chose to blur out my nephew's face in this image because I didn't want his personal identity attached to it, it wasn't about him.    

Never underestimate the power of creativity or in your ability to make old things new or even in bringing more light, love, and understanding into your life, the lives of others, and through your medium of choice.  Anything is possible!