Earl Moore Photography
Treasures Beneath - And so it ends


“Every part of the photographic image carries some information that contributes to its total statement; the viewer’s responsibility is to see, in the most literal way, everything that is there and respond to it. To put it another way, the statement the image makes – not just what it show you, but the mood, moral evaluation and casual connections it suggest – is built up from those details. A proper ‘reading’ of a photograph sees and responds to them consciously.” – Howard S. Becker – Afterimage

For me, the deep colors, shadows and textures conveyed emotional passion within this image. The dying bloom fallen to the forest floor could easily represent a love lost, a love remembered, or perhaps a parent, child, spouse or friend fallen in battle or an everyday tragedy. The blooms lingering deep rich reddish color says strength, valor and honor while the fading light speaks of only moments left before the beauty ends. That’s my “reading” of this image…what’s yours?


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Colin Griffiths
13 years ago

That’s easily answered! I really like these dark, contrasty images that you create, they are so different to what I would have seen. I wouldn’t have “read” the image in the romantic way that you have done so, but it truly makes me marvel at the beauty of nature, at the things that are so easily passed by and at how rich our world is if only we care to slow down and look.

Monte Stevens
13 years ago

I saw this posting yesterday but was not sure what comment to share. My first response to the image did not appeal to me. It felt dark, mysterious, troubling, which probably reflected my emotions at the time. My response is different this morning. Red is said to be a power color and this image speaks of that to me. Powerful images, and this is one of them, can evoke many questions, as you so aptly stated. I’m with Colin here in that romance never entered my mind. Nature sure has a unique way of speaking to each of us. Well done, Earl!

Paul
13 years ago

Earl, I get a deep, peaceful reading from this image. I imagine a cool, forest floor with light poking through the canopy here and there. As for the flower, I would imagine that it is still somewhat fragrant and soft, almost velvety to the touch.

It is interesting what we each get out of something and I’m sure that it can vary greatly depending on the day and especially the mood with which one views the photograph.

Ken Bello
13 years ago

I see a ray of light shining on a number of objects, flower, leaves, twigs, needles (among others), that all share a space and a common warm hue. An analogy to the human race at the later stages in life – different but all the same. It is a romantic image.

pj
pj
13 years ago

I’ve never agreed with the idea that a picture tells a story. Rather, a picture can suggest any number of stories, and the viewer ‘reads’ it and interprets it according to his or her own experience. The comments here seem to bear that out.

Excellent, thought-provoking post.

pj
pj
13 years ago
Reply to  Earl

It is interesting. Yes, other photos may well have a more focused meaning, for example your homeless one from a few days back, but I’d still bet they’d suggest a wide range of stories in the minds of the viewers.

Don
Don
13 years ago

Even in the demise of the flower and the forest debris, there is still a beauty that lingers. When it has disintegrated the essence of what we see in this image, will be the base for new life so the colors and growth will continue on in a cycle. That’s why we remember fondly those things that have moved on and attach little importance to the remains which never were the heart of the “life” we loved and revered. I think I need some more coffee! :-)

Journey Photographic
13 years ago

Interesting, reading all the comments. Even before I read your ‘reading’, my thoughts were roughly similar to yours – the death of loved ones and the passing of time. I’m not sure why – something about the colours and the association of the fallen leaves, the start of decay, perhaps?

Fascinating exercise!