light is master

 
Despite the fact that there’s unfortunate lighting and shadowing going on and I don’t love the watch boldly screaming for attention, I appreciated the tender and quiet moment enough to *somewhat* overlook the obvious flaws in this image.

I’d told the couple that the light wasn’t working for us in this spot and to sit tight while I scouted around for better locations nearby. This was at the end of a very hot photo shoot and the mom-to-be was growing weary and I could tell needed a break. Just as I was about to call the couple over to a better location I changed my mind when I saw them here together. I shot the image well aware of its problems but attracted to its sincerity. I tried to figure out a way to overcome the lighting dilemma short of jumping into the deep lake, but the sunlight was more intense and clever than I, so this was the best I could do. Light once again proved to be master.

It seems I have a very conflicted relationship with light. I’m purely in awe of its power, influential beauty, and the way it alters the mood of everything. I chase it like a child in pursuit of the ultimate playmate, but when I catch it I’m forever trying to bend it to my will or manipulate it in a way that suits me best. This image reminds me that I will never completely master light, and will in effect, always remain its humble and obedient servant.

~Cynthia