365 Project Day 362: Hunting Magic

Canon 5D Mark ll, 16-35 2.8L, 2.8 aperture,  19 mm focal length, 1/160 shutter alien B800 bare bulb at 1/8 power

I owe this very challenging project a great debt for teaching me some wonderful things this year. On many occasions, I have had to step outside of my comfort zone to complete my goal for the day. Driven to find the magic, I could not settle for mediocrity. If I didn’t know how to do something I have looked it up, or experimented until I got the effect I wanted. Gratefully, the old barriers that would stop me in my tracks in the past are no longer as formidable to me now. However, the worst (and best) part about that is, new barriers arise when old ones fall. This is called growth. It is often scary and painful, but so worth it. The colors of life grow richer and deeper as I continue to take risks.

I am learning to look fear in the face and move forward. It is a process, sometimes excruciatingly slow, but I am still moving forward.

When speaking with a younger photographer the other day, I encouraged him to never be afraid to experiment with lighting or angles when working with people. They can be intimidating sometimes, but they are just people. The truth is, they win when we take our time to find the magic. The magic presents itself in each of us uniquely. Only we know when we find it. If we skip over the process to cater to the desires of others, not only do we lose, the whole world loses. The magic in you was meant to be shared. It is God’s gift to the world. He will help you find it, craft it, and send it out into the earth.

Wait for the magic. Seek it like treasure. Experiment and work until it is in your hands. Don’t be afraid and don’t give up.

Tonight was a perfect example of this process. This being the last week of my 365 Project, I am feeling a little depleted. As the sun began to set, I knew my time was running out for any daylight shots. I have been sick this week and staying up late to finish my work. Katie, knowing my dilemma, sweetly volunteered to model for me. We headed out to the pasture where we could see the best view of the sunset. I did get the one shot above, which I loved, but I wanted something more. I just didn’t know what. I had the idea to pull the car around and shine the headlights behind her straight into my lens, while continuing to use my studio light. I had to shine a flashlight to find her face as the light was fading fast. The images below are the result. I think we found a bit of magic. Grateful for God’s provision once again, my heart can rest.

It’s a good feeling. Magic.

Ephesians 1:18,19 ~” I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.”