In the embrace of today’s golden sun, I embarked on a journey, a familiar expedition woven with the threads of nostalgia and the allure of hidden realms. Armed with my trusty Nikon Df and the enchanting Nikkor 28mm F1.4D, I set out to explore the dance between light and shadows, a ballet that unfolds in the heart of summer.
Once hesitant to capture the essence of summer, I now find myself yearning to encapsulate its fleeting beauty. For, in the past, my lens sought solace in the dramatic hues of fall, followed closely by the hushed whispers of winter and the delicate blossoms of spring. But today, a change was in the air—a paradigm shift to embrace the warm caress of summer’s light.
The chosen gear, a symphony of glass and mechanics, spoke volumes of my intention. The Nikkor 28mm F1.4D, with its classic, cinematic allure, beckoned me to venture close to my subjects, to unveil their tales while preserving the context of the scene.
As the day unfolded, a serendipitous moment awaited, capturing the furry protagonist, Tuki, basking in the morning sun. Prism colors adorned his tiny face, a testament to the magic that unfolds when one kneels down to see the world through the eyes of the small.
The journey continued along the trail, where nature, in its clandestine choreography, painted the canvas of the forest with vibrant hues. Overgrown foliage, a testament to nature’s untamed artistry, cast shadows that played along the trail like fleeting whispers. The Nikon Df, wide open on the 28D, captured this interplay with a cinematic grace, a visual poem etched in pixels.
The trail, meandering towards the beloved creek bed, beckoned with promises of cool respite. However, the eager dogs, Rowdy and Tika, yearned to plunge into the water. A deal struck – sticks would soar through the air, but only after a few moments in the spotlight.
In the realm of play, an artful training unfolded. Sticks became rewards, enticing the dogs to weave between the worlds of discipline and exuberance. Through the lens, I observed the synergy of mind and body, a ballet of canine joy and controlled abandon.
As the sun kissed the river, casting its glow upon the waters, we ventured further into the woods, seeking more pockets of light. A desire for drama led the way, shaping the scenes into moody portraits of my canine companions. In the quietude of the forest, my lens whispered tales of shadows and light, a visual sonnet composed in the language of pixels.
Today’s odyssey through the summer light revealed not just the beauty of the world but also the art of seeing. Observing the interplay of light and shadows, be it on a dog’s fur, a forest trail, or the gentle ripples of a creek, teaches the invaluable art of presence.
As the curtain falls on this chapter of my visual narrative, I find solace in the success of my study of summer light. The dogs, my faithful companions, frolicked in the sun, and the camera, my silent confidante, captured the essence of the season. And so, my exploration of light and shadows continues, for in every moment, be it day or night, a delicate pocket of light awaits, a testament to the enduring beauty that surrounds us.
Find beauty not only in the thing itself but in the pattern of the shadows, the light and dark which that thing provides.
Junichiro Tanizaki
