Inviting Chaos

I suppose that it's true that simplicity is often the best approach.

Though I don't suppose there is particularly anything unusual or insightful about this photo, it just struck me as a pleasant find. The earthy color of the building seems to compliment the chaotic arrangements of the branches, which feel as if they are growing directly out of the equally chaotic arrangement of the conduits and piping along the wall.

I'm intrigued by the inherit warmness of this structure. Even though the individual elements of the photo, such as the padlock, the unkempt branches, and the painted screens inside the roughly cut portholes have a run down, almost hostile look, when combined they have a warm, almost inviting appearance.

Perhaps, there is something comforting in the idea of chaos itself. We really did just ascend out of chaos anyway. Perhaps amidst the grids, formats and dictation by external sources about the "orderly" way that we are supposed to be, a base part of us still finds comfort in it.

Perhaps, this is just Hillcrest's equivalent of a comfy old pair of slippers that you just can't seem to throw out.

Though, in keeping with simplicity, the most likely thing is that it's just an old building.

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I love photos with movement in them. There is something intriguing about being able to capture a sense of motion on a medium intended for still imagery. This one was captured on a particular day when I didn’t think I would wind up with much, which except for this, turned out to be about right.

This one struck me as an example of finding that balance between creating art, and allowing art to happen. While the camera settings required to capture moving water were obviously intentional, this, the third in a series of shots, contained the unknown of what the people were going to do. Given this was a rather “chancy” setup to begin with (2 seconds @ ƒ32 handheld using a beam of the pier for support), it turns out they appear almost as if they are created by, and are somehow a part of the motion of the water.


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Living in the Shadows

I took a photo similar to this site when I was first taking pictures seriously, and hadn’t been to the site since until recently, when I shot this roll. It does have a very “Shadow of God” vibe, though I suppose the feeling of that concept is going to depend on the individual, isn’t it? Perhaps to many it’s just another monument on a hill, which just happens to share the site of the real destination; the panoramic views of the city below. To others, the symbol is one of comfort or joy, and hope that life has a purpose, whether we understand it or not.

To some however, this site and a similar one in La Jolla, is a source of anger and tension. There are some who feel that having a cross on public land is offensive, an idea I have yet to understand. I’ve always thought that, if one isn’t a Christian, then this symbol should have all of the meaning of candy canes, or the Easter Bunny. I wouldn’t be offended if this were a Star of David or an Aum, or even a Star and Crecent (though I’m sure a lot of controversy would surround the prominence of something like that).

At any rate, even though this is a country that welcomes people of all backgrounds and faiths, it is worth mentioning that the majority is of a Judeo-Christian background. If the presence of a religious symbol from another faith is this disturbing, the it would seem that personal reflection would gain far more than aggression towards something simply because it’s different.

As for atheism, if they are indeed right and there is no God, then where does this anger come from? How can one be this upset with something that doesn’t exist?

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Something about the rain in San Diego

First off, hopefully not too many folks have happened across this blog, considering I started this thing, then it sort of sat while the rest of my life took over. Truthfully, there has been a pile of exposed film sitting on the passenger seat of my car for about 3 weeks that I just haven't gotten the motion to get to the lab.

Well, it takes what it takes, I guess. A spark of inspiration came in the form of something that, while probably really mundane seemed so novel. Despite not ACTUALLY being in the street (as the blog would suggest), the inspiration came from an otherwise common occurrence, which is in essence what this whole thing is about in the first place.

There is something about rain in San Diego though. Admittedly, the weather (or lack thereof) is one of the main attractions of San Diego. That said, when the sky turns angry and the rain starts to fall, the city takes on such an unusual feel. This town never one to lose it's identity, during the midst of the rainstorm, was a stunning, vivid orange sunset.

There was more rain predicted yesterday, though that didnt happen. Hopefully leaving time and lack of excuses to get a few more rolls through the Mamiya. Maybe I'll actually process the film soon too!

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