Fernkloof Farmers Market

One would think weekends would be ideal for a project such as mine, loads of time, relaxed, good photographic opportunities, etc.  Today it's not for me; we’re just too busy, and I’m in the mood for a lazy morning lolling around in my PJs, a fragrant, steamy coffee in bed with my book.  Lifting my camera, checking the batteries and memory card-  that's too much like hard work sometimes.

“Behold the hands, how they promise, conjure, appeal, menace, pray, supplicate, refuse, beckon, interrogate, admire, confess, cringe, instruct, command, mock and what not besides, with a variation and multiplication of variation which makes the tongue envious.” 

― Michel de Montaigne

We’ve got a luncheon appointment, and I can’t think of anything else to photograph or document today, so I’ll do a photographic walk.  My companions aren’t photographers, but they’re excellent browsers, so while I click away, they’ll mince around the stalls at the market, admiring and filling their shopping baskets while I admire with my lens. This helps show how everyday scenes can be beautiful too.

It’s a four seasons in one hour sort of day, which might be interesting.  The slight mist becomes a drizzle, which turns into a little downpour; even if it’s short and sharp, it turns my hairdo into frizz.

“I tend to think of the act of photographing as an adventure. My favourite thing is to go where I’ve never been.”- Diane Arbus.

It’s with fear and trepidation that I listen and answer when someone asks me about my Blog. Still, on Thursday evening, a friend said he enjoys my daily postings for the simple reason that I show him that ordinary things can be beautiful too. It’s not always necessary to go out looking for something fantastic. I can say Mission Accomplished!  Thank you, Chris!

“MANIFESTO FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS

You and your camera are capturing the flicker of an eyelid, the beating of a wing, a droplet of water, a heartbeat, a smile, precious moments that vanish before you even realise they existed.

Colour, Composition, light, aperture, shutter speed, ISO, flash, focus, lens, SLR, digital, film, fisheye-these are tools and concepts that help us capture moments, but what truly matters is the feeling and memory preserved in each shot.

(Words and design thesmilecollective.com.au)

At last, I’m home. I enjoyed the people, places, and moments I captured today, and I hope my reflections inspire you to find beauty in your own daily life.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder; even simple recycled plastic bottles, in the hands of someone who respects, loves, and appreciates everyday objects and nature, will become a thing of beauty.

If you’ve enjoyed this blog and would like to join me on my 365 journey, please “SUBSCRIBE.” It would mean a lot to share this experience with you!