28 November 2009
Five years ago, I began walking regularly. Three years ago, I began taking pictures frequently. Both activities cause me to be more conscious of and attentive to my surroundings.
We've lived in Oakland for more than a quarter century, with more than two decades in our current house. And still, there are places within a few miles of home that I've never seen. And places I've been to that I haven't completely seen. And as the seasons change and the weather changes and the time of day changes, even familiar places can take on a new look.
Since beginning this photographic journey, I've decided that autumn is my favorite time of year. In some respects, it is the saddest season, marching toward darkness. But I just love the quality of light, which is different than at any other time of year. The low sun angle, the warm colors of the landscape, and the occasional oh-so-clear air create a true feast for the eyes.
Today was one of those brilliant autumn days, with bright blue skies, and not a trace of haze after yesterday's rain. I took a late-afternoon walk through the Mountain View Cemetery near our house. I was particularly attracted today to the statues of angels and humans associated with some of the grave sites. 
The workmanship in some of these is excellent. I love the way that age through erosion, soot, and moss, has given the stone surface added texture. Illuminated by the autumn light, they colored my afternoon in hues of peaceful reverence.
2 comments:
Those angels pretty much capture how I feel right now.
Contrast between the warm autumn colors and the grey of the downcast face against the cross is stunning.
Light -> shadows for the other angels -- ditto.
Lulu
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