Rome: Churches

Here's what happens when you are still posting photos of a trip two months after you've returned home...you forget where the pictures are from. I know they came from my last couple of days in Rome, but at this point all the churches/cathedrals were running together in my mind.

I should probably stop and do a bit of google searching to figure out where they are from, but the truth is I took these photos because I was in love with light and the way it influenced the way I was seeing the church. It was dark inside, but brought out, so the stained glass windows were amazing.


I pinned something last week about learning to observe light - I'd link to it, but it didn't have a source attached to it, so I don't feel right sharing without giving credit. It basically talked about how learning to observe light not only makes us better photographers, but changes the way we view the world. I think that is true in the physical sense, but I also believe it is true in the emotional sense. If we focus on the light (happy) aspects of life I think it can improve our overall outlook, at least I know that is true for me.

This last iPhone photo, is another from a church I can't remember, but I remember pulling my camera out just to capture the light as it shone in through the windows. I'm hoping as I start this new adventure in Australia, I will remember to focus on the light (as I'm sure there will be a bit of dark, there always is with a move.) I hope that by focussing my attention that way I can enjoy the journey.

"We were born into a light.
For everyone alone, I wish you faith and hope
And all the strength to cope
To be your own best friend
Have confidence and keep the faith"
Ryan Adams - Born into the Light




Pin It

Changing Light in Tuscany - and a case of jet lag

I got back from a quick two week trip to Lausanne, Switzerland and Istanbul this weekend. The trip over was easy - I hit the ground running and barely noticed the time change. I said to myself, "I've finally mastered this long haul travel / jet lag business." I should have known better, because coming home as proven that just isn't so. I got home last Saturday night and went to bed around 2 AM but slept until 8, so far so good. I actually found myself continuing my victory celebration over jet lag.

The last two nights have proven I still have a long way to go to master jet lag. Sunday I stayed up until 10 PM, but woke up at 2 AM and couldn't get back to sleep. I only managed to stay up until 8 PM Monday, which means I went to sleep while it was still light out - very unusual for me.

My strange day of being awake in the dark and sleeping in the light, got me thinking about the difference light makes on our world and reminded me of this set of photos Tuscany I took from my hotel room in Siena. The first one I took in early evening as a storm was rolling in, the second I took at dawn and the final one I took at mid-day just as I was checking out of the hotel.

In case you are wondering, jet lag only let me sleep until 2:45 AM today....but at least I'm moving in the right direction.

"I'm lost in the light, I pray for the night to take me."
Bahamas - Lost in the Light

Pin It

Away from the Light

I shared some photos Monday from a recent hike just before sunset. Those photos were taken toward the sun and I was trying to capture the beautiful warm light. This set of photos were taken the same day and from close to the same location, and same time, but were taken away from the sun.

Instead of warm golden light, these photos are full of coolness - and yet you can still see rays of lights shining through the clouds. Both versions of light are equally amazing.

This last shot was taken with my iPhone from a moving car (so forgive the blur.) It was taken near sunset - with the sun setting behind me, the photo is facing east. I was mesmerized by the rays of light crossing the entire sky. My goal is to someday develop my technical skills to the point that I can reliably capture the light as I actually see it, in all it's glory.

I found myself wishing I could head out a bit closer to nature today - since I can't here's the Pavement Ends from Little Big Town, a song is as close as I can get. Pin It

Following the Light

I've found myself paying more and more attention to the various qualities of light lately. It doesn't matter whether I have a camera with me or not, it catches my eye and I find myself wanting to improve my technical skills so I can capture what I'm seeing.  These photos are from a hike in my neighborhood just before sunset.

There was a lot of smoke in the atmosphere the day these were taken, so the light was filtered in an even more beautiful way (and yes, it makes me feel slightly guilty for thinking that - because I'm certain the fire causing the smoke was causing destruction for someone or a lot of someones.)

Do you have any favorite tutorials or classes that have helped you better capture light in your photos? And while I'm asking for tips - I'm struggling to get my photos printed decently. I don't know if it is that I'm not using the best shop or if it is something I'm doing in processing, but my pictures are not showing up in print the way they do on the screen and any tips would be greatly appreciated.

I picked up the new Missy Higgins album and fell in love with the closing track: Sweet Arms of a Tune Pin It