On my last post I wrote about how I sometimes don’t like what I see when I’m shooting a still life. A lot of you told me that you also struggle with that self-doubt, and I appreciate your encouraging comments. I guess we just have to accept that we are not going to love every single thing we create. But the key is to keep creating. Show up every day, do the work, and then share it (or not)!
When I came across this chippy enamel spoon in my favourite junque store, I was instantly transported back to my childhood. I saw my mom standing at the kitchen counter making supper for 6 hungry kids, and memories of how it felt to come home to the smells of bread baking, and some kind of hearty meal simmering on the stove washed over me. There was no doubt that that spoon was coming home with me.
As I was looking at this little scene, I knew I loved it, so I sat there and wrote down every reason I could think of as to why I loved it. I was creative BIGstorming; a technique I learned at my blogging convention. Then I spent about half an hour on this shoot, focusing on the top 5 things on my list.
So here are 5 reasons why I like this vignette:
- It’s simple.
- It makes me feel something.
- Late autumn sunlight is streaming onto the table, and I love late autumn light.
- The spoon is resting on mom’s cookbooks, and that feels right.
- The close details of the rustic edge of the spoon, and the soft worn cover on the cookbook, are comforting.
So, although there was really nothing wrong with my previous still life, I guess I just wasn’t feeling it. It may have been my mood that day, or perhaps I was in a rush to just get something. No matter what though, it was totally worth the effort and I’ll continue to show up and do the work. You never know what will come of it.
Friday Finds at Kim Klassen dot com
there is a lot of warmth in this shot – it came from you first. :)
gosh i love this…. and YOU.
xo, Kim
Love this so simple but speaks volumes.
This post says so much Barb! I’ve picked up something in your five things…gathering a feelings inside of me when making a photo. My hubby told me that same thing a few weeks ago…so good! I totally relate to your photo and reasons for loving it. Ok I’ll continue to show up, do the work… Thank you! Junque stores are such fun places to wander around in, and stir up memories!
Barb, what a touching post. I can actually feel your feelings! I get it! I posted a shot of an old bowl with an old doily hanging over the edge. Both were my Mother’s and because of that, it’s one of my favorite images. LOVE your image!
A beautiful image and such a sweet memory. And sounds like you may have discovered a good thing about yourself…..
A beautiful image and such a sweet memory. And sounds like you may have discovered a good thing about your photo style…..
I like your thought process Barb, very well thought through. I know sometimes when I do a still life, and I spend too much time thinking through it, I tend to mess it up because I over think the process so I guess it can go both ways. The trick for me is to find a happy place between the two. Still life’s just aren’t my favorite things to shoot so I guess that is also my problem.
This however is really stunning, I love the focus on the spoon especially after the story of your Mom.
So you not only shot this with your eye ~ but with your heart ~ maybe that my friend is the key to a perfect photograph. I truly love the story behind it ~ it took me back to my Grandmother and the old farm. Your Mom’s cookbooks are a treasure. Have a wonderful weekend Barb.
this is such a gorgeous shot! beautiful composition, too.
what a touching post!
wish you a great weekend~
That is a very cool and different shot. And emotions are most important in a photograph. Brrrr stay warm, I guess you will if you’re heading down here.
This is so lovely, Barb, wonderful details !
Beautiful post !
Nice weekend,
Sylvia
What a nice nostalgic shot!
Beautiful image, shot from the heart!
I love the still life – I think you got it right…but more important – showing up every day – that’s what counts – you are so right about that!
Love your shot, and also your explanation or story of what this brings to mind. definitely gives me some ideas about creating still lifes. Great capture of the feeling and the moment