The Story in the Stillness
“After nourishment, shelter and companionship, stories are the thing we need most in the world.”
― Philip Pullman
Seeing this scene, I recognize that it is not just a classic photo subject; it is also filled with stories waiting to be told. As a photographer, I strive to be more than just an individual who aligns objects in a viewfinder and presses buttons; I have the ability—and perhaps the responsibility—to be a visual storyteller. My aim is to capture not only what I see but also the energy and inherent emotions a photo conveys.
Think about this scene. The barn, clearly aged and bearing the marks of time, speaks volumes about the hard work and resilience of the people who built it, added special touches for tasks and convenience, and utilized it. Imagine the countless sunrises and sunsets it has witnessed, the laughter and labor that echoed within and around its walls. The dilapidated state hints at a changing world, perhaps a fading way of life, the passing of generations and the passing of ownership. It also speaks to endurance and of marking a place in time.
Then there are the background mountains. Imposing and timeless, they represent permanence and the unwavering power of nature. They’ve stood sentinel over this area for centuries, observing the ebb and flow of human activity, and they will continue on to what follows. The grey, cloudy day and the light breaking through add a layer of drama and introspection, creating a mood of quiet contemplation, a place to think, a moment of wonder and a place to find stories.
I’ve always had a vivid imagination, I enjoy history as well as subjects that fall outside the realm of normal reality, and I’m an avid reader. So finding stories, real or imaginary, many silent and unspoken in the stillness, comes easily. I believe that even if they are just conjectures, they should not go unrecognized. A person’s enthusiasm and emotions can greatly influence the art they create. Exploring “the stories” behind the subjects can enhance the photographic experience.
The byline of MeanderingPassage is, “It’s the depth of our experiences that weave the most profound narrative.” Don’t we each deserve the most profound narrative we can create in our lives and our art? Don’t we deserve the stories, even in stillness?