Photography captures the ordinary and reveals its hidden beauty. The familiar can become extraordinary through the lens of a camera.
Coming to you from Els Vanopstal, this inspiring video explores the concept of finding beauty in the mundane. Vanopstal walks a path in France, a route she has taken countless times, yet this time, she sees it differently. The trees, bushes, and flowers along the trail become subjects of deeper appreciation. This video emphasizes how photography can heighten your awareness and transform how you view your everyday surroundings.
Vanopstal's experience shows that even a simple, familiar path can hold new surprises. With winter slowly giving way to spring, the trail is alive with blooming flowers and lush foliage. The video captures how the subtle changes in nature can evoke different emotions and perceptions. By observing these details, Vanopstal encourages you to see the world through a different lens, finding the extraordinary in the seemingly ordinary.
Photography isn't just about the subjects you capture. It's also about self-discovery and reflection. Vanopstal shares a personal journey of feeling like an outsider, always observing from the sidelines. Through photography, she learns that there's beauty both in blending in and standing out. This duality offers a powerful lesson in perspective and acceptance, making the act of taking photos a means of connecting with both the world and oneself.
The video also discusses the technical aspects of capturing the essence of a place. It highlights how the movement of plants in the wind and the intricate patterns of ferns can be fascinating subjects. These elements, often overlooked in daily life, become central to creating memorable images. Vanopstal’s approach teaches you to slow down, observe, and appreciate the small details that contribute to the overall beauty of a scene. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Vanopstal.
So very true!!! We often get caught up in labels for our images such as snap-shots, portfolio-worthy, or world-class... and then compare our pictures with other photographer's photos of waterfalls in Iceland, and feeling like we have to travel thousands of miles to make good pictures. However, a good picture might even be found in our own back yard.
"I know that place.." Well, sort of, There is a miles long trail, former mule path between the river and historic canal that passes near my house. Coincidently it looks a lot like the scenes in the video. I'm out there every few days, there are new things happening. If you look. It's my second home.