Improve your spiritual life with the help of jewels


Getting up Close in Nature Photography

Without doubt there is something aweplanet that I believe we can start to make
inspiring and wholesome in the big view.any sense of nature as a whole. There is also
Every year there are vast arrays of calendarsemotion and drama to be found in these little
all full of pretty landscape picturescameos that we so often overlook, it may be
adorning our high street shops. Many we cansomething as simple as a single delicate
relate to and one day would like to see forflower growing in a boulder crevice. Hanging
ourselves. Indeed, we are fortunate in thison and defiant, its tenuous grip on life is
country to be blessed with such wonderfullytotally dependent on the sustenance that it
diverse scenery. From the wide open spaces ofdraws from the debris residing in the
the fens to the rugged mountains of Cumbria,crevice. Yet it lives on year after year,
Wales and Scotland. From rolling meadows totestimony indeed to its determination and
dramatic coastlines they all have anresilience. It is this interrelationship that
important part to play. However, sometimesis so enduring, fundamental and compelling.As
with such a grand vista it is difficult toa natural history photographer getting close
fully appreciate its beauty simply becauseto nature is a very important part of my
there is nowhere for the eye to settle, nolife. It allows a far greater appreciation of
point on which to concentrate. There is justthe beauty and a clearer understanding of the
too much to take in. It is just sonatural world in which we live. Take for
overwhelming.However, if we can take a freshexample a clear cold winters day with
approach and look hard for a moment at justcrispness so sharp it is breathtaking. When
part of this scene we begin to see andwe start to look for details in these
appreciate the finer features of theconditions we are immediately drawn to
individual pieces of the landscape. Look atmagical patterns in the snow, frosted ivy
how they combine, fitting together like theleaves and shimmering icicles. Ice patterns
pieces of a large jigsaw to make the completeare one of my favourite winter subjects as
picture. But let us now break it down intothey offer such diversity and literally
its basic components and take time tocapture a moment frozen in time. Some offer
contemplate the colours, shapes and textures.gracefully smooth curves whilst others
We can then take this notion even further anddisplay harsh jagged lines depending on the
that distant bright yellow patch becomes, onprevailing weather conditions. So even
closer inspection, a rich and riotous standsomething as simple as a puddle icing over is
of Broom. If we move closer still to theheavily influenced by its immediate
broom we see clearly the perfection andsurroundings.Light quality will also play a
intricate detail in each flower and seedpod.significant part in our appreciation of these
Look even closer at the seedpod with itsfiner details, if it is too harsh then the
gossamer covering of fine hairs, each one anincrease in contrast will actually block out
individual but reliant on its closethe very detail we are trying to see. It is
neighbours and we can begin to understand howfar better to have the diffused light that
things fit together. Whilst this may not be aoccurs with high thin cloud cover. This
scientific approach it provides a raw andprovides a much softer light allowing all the
basic understanding, offers enlightenment anddetail, texture and nuances to be so clearly
makes us feel an integral part of nature. Soseen. Subject colour will also influence our
by isolating and concentrating on a smallinterpretation of the subject, for example
part of the whole we have simplified thevibrant colours like reds and yellows suggest
subject. Made it more memorable, more basicdominance and power, whereas muted shades
and more powerful.We have now entered thelike grey and browns portray more tranquil,
close up world of nature, a world that liesearthy and basic feelings.Early morning is
just beyond the familiar that is so full ofoften a fine time to appreciate a wide range
rich detail and striking beauty. With an openof subjects and a stroll in the garden will
mind, a little imagination and an almostpay dividends. Flowers and grasses, for
childlike curiosity there are many moreexample when covered with dew or fine rain
subjects for us to consider. There ismake fascinating studies, the fine hairs hold
certainly no need to go far. Indeed it shouldonto droplets of water so that they almost
be seen as more of a soul searching journey,defy gravity. If the conditions are right
a journey of inner vision and contemplationthere may be insects that have become
rather than a journey to some far off place.encrusted with minute droplets of water
Furthermore, the deeper we delve the morefollowing a night's inactivity. Butterflies
fascinating and rewarding they become. Theyin particular look stunning covered in dew as
reveal their hidden treasures withoutit makes them sparkle as though covered with
hesitation allowing us time to reflect anda myriad of jewels.So, with renewed vision
admire their majesty.With this attention toand childlike wonder the natural world is
detail it becomes easier to understand thatwithout doubt a beautiful place that only
the whole is clearly made up of manyrequires a little time and an inquisitive
individual parts that are all unique. Allmind to fully appreciate. Satisfaction and
these parts inter-relate with each other andcontentment can be provided by the simplest
no doubt they all have a vital role to play.of things and with this comes harmony and
Indeed, it is only by appreciating thehopefully inner peace.
importance of the smallest parts of our



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