September — A Year in Photographs — Light and Shadow

Riverwalk — Day 259

Long shadows, dark, moody mornings, and black and white photography are staples in my work. While #AYearinPhotographs focuses on challenges and stepping out of one’s comfort zone, I occasionally revisit my favorite subjects. Despite not being able to claim that I haven’t enjoyed every month of this year-long project, I must admit that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it.

Light and Shadow I will do each #AYearinPhotographs and it brings into one’s mind things we see every day but perhaps miss the dramatic distortion of human form, architectural subtleties, and fine details that light at such an angle accentuates.

My favorite of this month is Riverwalk — Day 259. While strolling the Chicago River Walk, the light from the morning sun, always incredible in September and October in Chicago, flowed down the natural waterway and human-made riverwalk. A security guard sauntered, a few fallen leaves blew about, and a the long shadow of the guard sliced through the frame. It was a moment I knew capturing this photograph, it would be the image for the day.

June — A Year in Photographs — Through the Looking Glass

Balloons — Day 158

Perhaps what makes something wonderful is the imperfections rather than the perfection.

A crack in a family heirloom. The decay of an artifact. The crooked nature of a bonsai. The Japanese call it ‘wabi sabi,’ the philosophy that embodies the appreciation of beauty in imperfection, impermanence, and the natural cycle of growth and decay.

I took June to look at ordinary things through unordinary glass. Some reversal of images, blurring and distortion of edges, and the refraction of the image itself.

“Adrian’s Life Rule 25: Sometimes things that are technically wrong are creatively right.”

— Adrian’s Life Rule #25

February — A Year in Photographs — Lines and Curves

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Grass and Arches — Day 036

Lines, such as leading lines and the rule of thirds, are fundamental elements in photography. I believe taking a slightly different perspective for a month offers an optimal experience, yet it also presents a challenge. While there are numerous lines and curves in the world, both are essential for capturing the essence of this photography theme.

Strange… you’d think this was easy but while I was in Florida visiting family, it took a keen eye to find something that I wanted to photograph.

As we enjoyed the sunshine, a moment would present itself—a short detour, circling a block, or a walk down a different path. Most of my photography is a solo adventure but sometimes family guides you to just the right place.