— “Kosmos,” photographed at East Shore Drive
This little snake peeked out to join my composition. I have seen so many snakes lately that I am currently developing another series about the contrasts between snakes and inanimate branches and twigs.
Forces of nature are calling me again:
flowing water, wind.
Twin babies.
Love,
beauty,
snakes.
Just be with the element Air:
wind,
an eagle
soaring above.
The love of fathers
for sons flows freely
as the water flows.
Suddenly,
the water became crystalline
clear: moss.
What’s real?
Is it?
Is it a snake
or a piece of wood?
Snake — swimming!
Okay, that’s it
for now.
The light — the mystery — the sound of rushing water —
as I keep saying
to myself:
“Return.
Stay present to this
magic, to the amazing blessing to be here
at dawn to witness
the mystery
of the awakening of nature
after the rain.”
— “Amber,” photographed at Ithaca Falls in Ithaca, NY.
I photographed this beautiful, red leaf on 8 November 2009. The play of light and the reflection of orange fall leaves on the water created a beautiful composition. The moment was perfect.
“Heliopause,” Photographed 7 May 2010 in Cascadilla Gorge.
When I uploaded the photo to my computer, I noticed the rich purple hues surrounding the small puddle of water and had to share it with you. “Heliopause” looks almost otherworldly — a place beyond all comprehension.
Today, I’ve been thinking about my Earth series and the different considerations I need to take from what I’ve been doing with water.
Some of my favorite things to photograph at the moment are rotting trunks, and the juxtaposition of them with mosses and other life growing on them is amazing. It seems like I’m more able to perceive abstract forms growing naturally that are not necessarily related to how light creates them — much different from the significant role light plays in my water photography. It’s about observing these forms and approaching them more closely.
“Microcosm” was photographed on 19 March 2010 at the Wildflower Preserve in Ithaca, NY. Taken a day before the Spring Equinox, I was impressed by the vivid colors and blooming life that greeted me on arrival. Here is a glimpse of that secret world.
Oh, I’ve been so restless!
Blue sky
Cool
Warmer
Moss on water
Unbelievable green
Earth
Then suddenly—a snake coiled
Still
Immovable
Unafraid—sunbathing
Sounds of water
River
Earth
New growth
Sanctuary
I, observer of nature
Capturing moments
With my camera.
I am happy now.
This is “Secret Place,” photographed at Six Mile Creek in Ithaca, NY, on the 24th of March.
I love the beautiful greens in the piece and I wanted to share them with you.
© Helena Cooper 2010
