Cruises and Castles - Finding the Extraordinary in the Ordinary

Here is the latest for our Profound Picture Series, by Marc Christensen

Why I Chose This Photo

By Marc Christensen

Here are two examples that I think illustrate looking at the "mundane" in a different way. This one is from Castle Fraser in Scotland and other (shown below) from a cruise ship. I've seen a lot of castles during our travels in the UK and it's easy to become distracted with the immense size and towering grandeur. Yet, in so many of the castles, cathedrals and churches, the real interesting stuff lies in the smaller objects and details. Much of this work was done 800+ years ago with only the most basic of tools - hammers and chisels for carving. And, might these small carvings tell a story in the mind of the craftsman? For example, this knot, did it mean that he was tied to this work forever (some castles and cathedrals took generations to build, son following father in the trade). Did the owner want this carved to symbolize that the castle was forever tied to his clan and that his family was bound together in close fraternity?

The one from the cruise ship was just a decoration somewhere. When we cruise, there are often sea days and so I get my camera and look for something with which to create a photo. This one I shot up close just to capture the color and pattern.

These are among the free things in life that emerge if we take the time to see, not just look. Photography has really demanded of me that I consider light, color, shape, texture and what to include and exclude in a photo. It's about slowing down and just seeing what's there. Of course, being retired affords me the time to do this now and I used to do it a lot riding my horse in the Sandia mountains in New Mexico. Yet, I still rushed too many moments in my younger days and have now been learning about the peace and enjoyment from savoring the place and moment I'm in.

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