The allure of the beach
by Mark ~ August 9th, 2007. Filed under: art, creativity, nature, nature photography, oceans, philosophy, wonder.
I have often thought that we have a pretty deep evolutionary connection to the sea, and it is one of the primal drivers that makes the ocean, the water, and the beach so alluring to so many. For me, it feels like my soul is being recharged when I am there. When I am away for too long, I feel it calling me back.
This isn’t all complete metaphysical mumbo either. There is quite a bit of interesting research about the evolutionary link between humans and dolphins and the many similarities between our brains. We have some traits more in common with dolphins than we do with apes. It is suspected that long ago we shared the same ancestors and parted ways in choosing which environment we would occupy. Sometimes I wonder if we made the right decision.
For my photography, I also find the beach and the water incredibly re-energizing. I feel more creative and willing to experiment with new ideas. There is a connection that feels very deep yet hard to explain, and I often think it ties back to where we once came from. It is the gateway between two worlds – and a door we are fortunate enough to be able to cross through and back as we wish.
I know I am not alone in this feeling – so I ask that you also share your thoughts on this connection and what it means to you..
August 9th, 2007 at
I understand the connection Mark, but with me it’s not the sea it’s the mountains, don’t get me wrong the ocean is beautiful and I am actually heading to Key West tomorrow but I understand your feelings. With me it is almost a Deja vu feeling whenever I go to the Smokies almost like I belong there. I am afraid if I ever went out west I would never return.
The image is beautiful I can see why you are so inspired by the water, hopefully I can capture an image next week that will inspire me as well.
August 9th, 2007 at
Paul -
Check my comment under yesterday’s post. It should be applied to today. Woops.
Dan
August 9th, 2007 at
Mark, I love the ocean as well, but not nearly as much as I love the majesty of the mountains. My wife is the ocean lover of the family. The kids couldn’t care less either way.
I do, however, get a great joy out of being at the beach, especially in the early hours of the morning when it is just me there. Just sitting there and listening to the endless susurations of the waves has a very calming effect.
The mountains bring about a similar feeling. I love the challenge of photographing them because it is so difficult to portray that scale and majesty that I feel when I’m in their presense. I also love to hear the morning come alive and feel the cool breeze and hear the bees start about their daily duties.
August 9th, 2007 at
Love the colors in this one but the patterns are what make this photo for me. Wow.
August 9th, 2007 at
I’ve never seen anything quite like it. A very beautiful photo with lots of abstract patterns. Great eye.
August 9th, 2007 at
Another great shot. I love the way the reflection of the sky comes in for just the top half of the image.
I know what you mean about the connection. My shots have an inordinate number of water images. There is the connection. And water always brings me to a peaceful place.
Howard
August 9th, 2007 at
This is a wonderful image Mark. I think the connection you feel and the creative energy you derive from the ocean is evident. I’m a strong beliver that the best images are made of subjects that personally move us and with which we have a connection. Whether it’s clear to us what that connection is or not doesn’t matter. The color, line and texture in this piece of yours offers endless exploration. It’s really a rather meditative piece.
Paul
August 9th, 2007 at
Thank you all for the wonderful comments. I am sure many of you can relate to the feeling of excitement when looking through the viewfinder and something just feels right. That is what I experienced with this, and a few others I will put up shortly.
August 9th, 2007 at
Hey Mark, awesome image!! I’ve never felt what you feel when I’m around water. My spiritual connection is more in the woods.
August 10th, 2007 at
Mike, thanks for the comment. As much as I feel at home in the woods, I have to admit in the grand scheme of things, I believe it is #2 when paired up to being in or at the water. (Crowded public beaches don’t count!
)
August 12th, 2007 at
Mark, pleased to “meet” you. My blog also features the Upper Peninsula of Michigan/Lake Superior area. And the Northern Lower Peninsula/ Lake Huron.
Great photos!!! I love your blog!!! Isn’t Lake Superior amazingly LOW?
JJ from Northern Michigan
http://natureshows.blogspot.com/
August 12th, 2007 at
Thanks for stopping by JJ. Yes, I was quite surprised at the lake level. But it did end up creating some unique opportunities for a photographer!
August 15th, 2007 at
I understand your primal connection so much that I don’t think that I can ever leave the coast. I was out this morning, very early on an isolated beach. Felt such a sense of peace….
There are so many metaphors that I could give that sound trite and yet….. the ebb and flow, the reflections, the depth, the chaos, the quiet, the continuous motion, the treasures that come ashore and go back out, the wildlife, the expansiveness, the endless horizon, the colors, the fog, the smells, the oneness with all of it…… well, you get what I mean, right?!
Gorgeous images, Mark.
August 17th, 2007 at
I couldn’t agree with you more. When I was a university student on Long Island, I lucked into finding a house only a mile from campus that was situated on a cliff overlooking the Long Island Sound, with a little stretch of private beach. It was an indescribable experience to live in that place for three years. For the first time in my life I felt connected to the natural world in a way that I can only describe as spiritual. I took to it so much that I would sleep on the beach whenever the weather was warm enough, hoping only to wake before the sand crabs came out.
If only I had been able to afford photography back then!
August 17th, 2007 at
Oh, and I love this stunning image!