The Light in the Air
by Mark ~ April 9th, 2008. Filed under: creativity, nature photography, philosophy, wonder.
I was listening to a story on NPR the other day - and there was a guy being interviewed who referred to some early photography training he had by the well known depression era photographer Walker Evans. A quote came out of this conversation that I just had to write down. I suppose this can mean many things to various people, especially because I haven’t given you much context - but I am going to keep it that way. The guy referred back to something Mr. Evans had told him…
“It’s easy to photograph light reflecting from a surface, the truly hard part is capturing the light in the air.”
To me, this means capturing a moment that transcends the subject or captures a mood that is timeless. I don’t know if I am always capturing the light in the air, but it certainly sounds like a profound concept to strive for.
April 9th, 2008 at ?
Nice interpretation Mark. I especially like the part … “captures a mood that is timeless.”
Your photo does that well. Nice silhouette without the trees being too dark and harsh. A dreamy photo.
April 10th, 2008 at ?
Great quote. The ethereal is truly difficult to capture.
April 10th, 2008 at ?
Your photo captures the quote! The photo is gorgeous!!!!
April 10th, 2008 at ?
That’s a great quote. Personally I like to interpret this quote non-literally although i do like your beautiful photo. Capturing the “light in the air” to me means capturing the essence of the moment… the atmosphere of a scene. Of course that should be timeless and if its related to the beauty of our world even better. I guess I interpret the quote in an even broader way… then again perhaps we’re saying the same thing
April 10th, 2008 at ?
Jim, pretty much the same I was thinking and as I recall, the same the interviewee had thought as well.
April 10th, 2008 at ?
Mark - there is only one word valid: beautiful! No more necessary…
April 10th, 2008 at ?
indeed, a great concept to strive for. having attempted both numerous times, i do get how difficult it is to capture “light in the air” - from both a physic and a philosophical interpretation. a shiny surface helps to reveal light, but light in the air, is self revelation.
April 10th, 2008 at ?
Mark… great minds think alike.
April 13th, 2008 at ?
Hi Mark, interesting quote - thanks for sharing it here. I enjoyed the image that accompanied it as well. Thanks for sharing that too. Hope you are enjoying spring time.
April 13th, 2008 at ?
I always like reading the inspirational quotes that you have mixed into your blog. This is certainly one to keep in mind while shooting.
The balance between mere documentation of a beautiful natural scene and capturing the essence of the moment is what keeps me awake nights.
MDW
April 16th, 2008 at ?
That is an excellent photo. Great work.
April 19th, 2008 at ?
Lovely image - nice balance of light, sky, and silhouette.
April 20th, 2008 at ?
Thanks everyone, I appreciate the comments.
April 25th, 2008 at ?
Mark, you’re image shows that you have mastered the hard part!
Great quote, thanks for sharing. We didn’t have this one in the quote archive, so I’ve added it as well! Remember that anyone can help build out the archive by submitting new quotes themselves…