Sunday, January 25, 2009

comfort



This is a dark photo, I know. A lot of detail is lost. I have one lamp, providing a soft light but not illuminating really anything. I played around with the flash, but it didn't achieve the desired effect. I went into Photoshop and played with the levels there as well. Again, it just didn't give me what I wanted. I was going to scrap the whole thing and look for something else, but this was the answer for the assignment. I don't know if Mission 24 will serve to make me a better photographer, but I am challenging myself to be honest with myself--to really find the truest answer to the challenge. That is what this photograph is to me. It is dark, but it is what it is. Details are lost in darkness, details that are unimportant in the grand scheme of things. What matters most is the feeling I have at this time, in this place.

I took a photo of the end of my bed at the end of the day. The house is quiet, the kids are asleep, my husband is asleep, the lamp is on the lowest setting. It's peaceful and calm and I can take the time to kneel and talk to my Heavenly Father. I am able to pour out my heart, to share my thoughts, to feel the love and comfort that I so desperately need. After I pray, I crawl into bed and either read a talk from a conference Ensign or thumb through my scriptures for a familiar verse. Usually, I find an answer to a prayer there and receive even more comfort as I am assured that my Heavenly Father listens to me, that He knows me and cares for me. I am so grateful for the opportunity I have to kneel in prayer and to receive answers.

9 comments:

Katy said...

What I like about this picture is that the light you Do see is a Soft Glow... and after reading your description, it all makes sense to me. And the Feeling of crawling into bed- knowing that your family is safe and sound and it's now your time to reflect... that's VERY comforting!

AprilF said...

I like the light too, it does make it feel calm. and a picture doesn't have to be "technically" perfect for us to like it the most.

Kritta22 said...

I agree with both those girls. It's what you want to get out of the picture that counts. This is really great and honest. Love it.

Rachel Holloway said...

Jen--this group is definitely not about being TECHNICAL. And as much as I like it to be about pushing ourselves to be creative, I think there is a chance to do what you said--be true to what you feel and believe. THAT makes this picture AMAZING. I love your words you wrote with hit...it makes it complete!

zealygirl said...

I love your heartfelt response. It really touched me. Thank you for sharing!

Keep working on the pictures; I know as you keep tinkering with it you will see your vision come to life through the camera!

Mindy said...

Your picture and words definitely brought me a feeling of comfort! Good job!

Kritta22 said...

Where do your parents and best friend live in Alaska? Small world!

Ashton and Shanda Call Family said...

Nice picture. If you wanted more light to come through, you can put it on a tripod and use a cable release or put it on a timer, that might help. Try using your aperature at F8, and then use the cable release, or timer. (Cable releases are fairly cheap at inkleys) I don't know what kind of camera you have...but if you have one that gives you those options, that's how you can get more lighting into your room. If you use a cable release, I'd probably leave your shutter open for about 2-3 minutes to let enought light hit the picture. This is a beautiful idea. I agree with everyone else. If it is a heartfelt picture and it caught what you wanted it to, then that's what matters. Your words were beautiful. Great job!

Ashton and Shanda Call Family said...

If something I said didn't make sense, or you want to know more about it, email me at shandamk@gmail.com