IN PRAISE OF THE FAMILIAR

In Film, Inspiration
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“We believe in the transcendent power of really good light.” 
– From the Viewfinders manifesto
We all know the thrill of seeing a beautiful place for the first time. The shutter never stops clicking as we encounter everything with new eyes.  The novelty can be exciting and inspiring. But I contend that when we look with intention at familiar places, we can start to see them with new eyes, sometimes as if for the first time.
 The practice of returning to a place over time can shift our perspective, allowing it to reveal itself to us in new ways. We begin to discover things we hadn’t noticed before.
My back porch has become one of my favorite places to shoot and it has yielded many delights over the last few years. One powerful transforming agent is simply the light.
Though the physical space stays the same, the changing light transforms it every time.  So, even though I’ve photographed this space so many times, I keep wondering what else I will discover whenever I step outside.
What is your favorite familiar place to shoot? What familiar place can you begin to look at with new eyes?
**All images shot with Hasselblad 500C/M on Kodak Portra 400 or Kodak Ektar 100.

12 Comments

  1. These shots are just lovely, Chinwe…I want to crawl inside them and rest in that delicious light. I so appreciate this idea of returning to a familiar space again and again…and being amazed at how it magically transforms with that day’s light.

    • Thanks so much, Michelle. I like the image of crawling inside and resting in light! Yes, please 😉

  2. Same with people, I dare say. Gaze at the person you have known for too long – you will find a fresh spot!

  3. There is something so special about savoring the light of a familiar place over and over again. And I think it’s important to train our eyes to find magic in our everyday surroundings. Your back porch looks like an incredible space to sit and ponder.
    xoxo Deb

    • Well said, Deb! Seeing the magic and beauty in the everyday is my jam! I realized a while ago that that is the thread that runs through all the art that I love. Thanks.

  5. Hi Chinwe! What a gorgeous porch! I love the light in these images, they are so warm and inviting.

  6. Such lovely lovely article and photos! Just wow:):):)

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