Focus and Filter

A dear, elderly friend gave us one of his Orchid plants the day our son was born. He never gives his orchids away. These blooms are a reminder of him, and bring bittersweet tears since he passed away last year. In experimenting with how to best capture their beauty, I experimented with different kinds of photos, making them look like different flowers altogether.

I am reminded that looking at the circumstances in our life in different ways alters the appearance of the situation. This is not a new idea, but a good one to be aware of. There is depth of field: changing the focal point, allowing detail to be seen that might otherwise be missed. Using a different lens, I see more of the darkness. But there is beauty in this darkness, bringing out the depth in the center, outlines, shadows. Another lens brings brightness, revealing transparency of the petals. The darkness is less visible, and so it's beauty. Another filter brings background to the forefront.

So, today I will not limit myself to one filter. I will change the focus. See the detail. I will find beauty in the darkness, and be grateful for the brightness of the light.