It is a cool, rainy morning here as I sit here, trying to think about what I want to say as I begin the new year. I planned on watching the ball fall at Times Square at midnight, but dozed off on the sofa and missed the moment—I guess that is a sign that I am getting old.
I am feeling pensive right now as I think about the year that has just concluded and wonder what the new year will hold for me. I decided to share some photos that I took last week at the little pond that I featured yesterday. I was utterly fascinated by the reflections of some of the trees at the edge of the pond and the textures that appeared in the ripples on the surface of the water.
Normally I have much more of an identifiable main subject when I am taking a photo, but in those moments I was mesmerized, feeling a little bit like I was looking at a Monet painting. Sometimes I get into an “artsy” trance of sorts and I have no idea how long I stood there with my camera pointing down at the water on the opposite shore.
A few people passed by, but fortunately did not pose the sometimes annoying question that I am frequently asked about what I was photographing. I often have to bite my tongue and not reply with the words resounding in my head—”I was trying to photograph a bird that you spooked with your noisy arrival.” In this case, there was no live subject to scare away, but it would have destroyed my meditative concentration.
I have to admit that I am a little selfish when it comes to sharing my wildlife experience in person with others—I prefer to enjoy the beauty of nature in solitude. I often avoid locations that have abundant wildlife, if I know there will be crowds of photographers. As I like to tell my friends, I was avoiding people long before it became popular during this pandemic.
I will probably do some kind of more organized retrospective look at the postings of this past year in the next few days. For today, though, I wanted to share some musings and reflections.
Best wishes to all of you for a happy and healthy New Year.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
I thoroughly enjoyed your musings and reflections Mike. Happy New Year 2022. Cheers
Thanks, Suzette. Today’s posting was definitely an unfiltered view of some of the thoughts and feelings bouncing around in my head this morning. I think that many people enjoy the fact that my postings are a reflection of me a person and not simply a gallery of my photos. Happy New Year to you as well. 🙂
Yes, Mike I agree–your posts are a beautiful balance of thought and photography. Thank you. And happy reflections in 2022
Nice reflection images Mike! And Happy New Year! Looking forward to seeing your images in the New Year!
Happy New Year 😃. We gave ourselves no time this morning for reflection. Up and out long before dawn. Not much out since it was dark and gloomy here too.
Those are delightful reflections, Mike. Happy New Year!
Oh I do like this post, Mike with its commentary on crowds, questions, and the fascinating patterns in the water. They are mesmerising.
Thanks, Chris. I think we both favor an approach that balances commentary on the “journey” as well as images of the “destination.”
Happy New Year from Brothers Campfire! Blessings to you and yours! 🤠🔥✨🧨
The photo reflections made me giggle, they’re quite humorous! 😀
I hope unexpected joys come your way in 2022 .. nice surprises that delight!
“Unexpected joy”–I think that will be one of my goals for the new year, Liz, though I must confess that I have never been someone who does New Year’s resolutions. 🙂
Same, Mike! I don’t do them either but I enjoy the idea of turning the page and the ‘blank slate’, the feeling of everything being fresh and new. For some reason I feel very positive this year. I’m embracing 2022 with open arms and joyful heart, hoping for good things and not just for me but ideally for others too 🙂 That of course includes you!!!
I had to laugh at your commentary! Like you, I’d just as soon be alone for my photography and artwork and I really hate it when people disturb me! Especially when photographing wildlife, which inevitably leaves (after you’re spent an hour slowly getting closer! AGGGGGH!), but even when doing landscapes. I used to think it embarrassed me, but I’ve come to realize that it just annoys me because it’s an intrusion into my creative process. I know people mean well, but…
Truly meditative and mesmerizing shots, Mike. I can imagine it was even better in person.
I love images like this. My husband always says, what if our world were just a reflection of the other, under-water one we can see in the lake?
What a good catch!
Thanks.