I hope my obsession with reflections is not driving people over the edge. It’s just that I am totally captivated by how things are transformed by their appearance in water.

My interest in this phenomenon is further motivated by the seasonal magic that presents for a brief period of time in the spring and fall. In the spring, the perky bright greens of new growth can be mesmerizing, especially in our home pond as the birches and undergrowth begin to awaken. This is not color that exists at any other time of the year, especially encouraged by the sun’s move higher in the sky lighting more at the edges of the water. In the fall (seen in today’s photo offering) a whole new palette is illuminated, especially for me, during the late autumn muted colors. Typically these colors are more in the yellow brown hue shared mostly by oak trees. These colors are more evasive because it is becoming a bit challenging to find hardwood trees along shores.

I don’t spend great gobs of time searching for reflections. Rather, they tend to appear pleasantly as I am making my way around the region doing other things. I tend not to be terribly calculating about my photography, instead I am happier finding. Nobody ever accused me of being deliberate about much. I think it may be a result of easy distraction — doesn’t take much for me to go off the rails. Fortunately my life has been full of good fortune and wonderful coincidences. I used to be a bit frustrated by my inability to complete things. I’m much more comfortable going four or five directions. This, I might add, is somewhat annoying to those with whom I have close affiliations.   

On the other hand, it seems that my wanderlust produces interesting results for me, if only fleeting. I think maybe this contributes to my fascination with reflections which often appear and disappear with little notice, only to reappear in a different way. I love being able to capture the momentary. It seems to suit me and can provide some interesting compositions. But please don’t ask me to explain. It is one of the most troublesome questions I am often asked, especially when a collection of my work is viewed.   

“What were you thinking about when you made this image?” That’s the killer question which makes me very uncomfortable. I can’t, and never have been, able to respond with a response that seems acceptable. The closest I can come is, “You know, I just saw something I liked,” which tends to really annoy people. I guess I can understand why; it’s just that I have no explanation. I do not intentionally mean to annoy.

Reflect on that!