Observing. Releasing the shutter. Quietly loading the film. Transforming the film in chemicals. Seeing the power and beauty of yourself in negatives. Writing your words on cotton paper with your image. Stating your silence…

The eeriness and darkness in the photographs seems foreboding at first, yet it draws people in. Light delicately caresses the branches and leaves, illuminating aspects of tree. People only see glimpses of my personality unless they take time to explore the darkness and find me. People make their quick judgments and move on. They see enough of the light or darkness and decide I’m not worth their time. People will see what they think is the entirety and not take time to study the details. The details in the shadows or highlights that only few see are where the beauty lies.

Exploring what you believe, think, and feel takes time. Then realizing what you have to say matters is just as important. I rarely speak, because I never thought that my opinions matter. But they do, I just got to speak up. The bright leaves floating on the surface are the words I say. Then the shadowy details in the water are everything that I want to say. The overlapping branches are everybody’s voices. But the bright one is mine. It’s covered by others’ voices, but it is still heard and relevant.

Sorting through your emotions, voicing your opinion, and figuring out who you are can be difficult. Take time to study the details in the shadows and highlights in yourself and in others.