Center of Attention
What is it that you see when you look into this photo? Well, it is a large scene filled with many trees and leaves and such, there is even a little stream in the foreground. But I can bet that the main center of attention of this photo for the viewer is going to be doe centered in the middle of the image. Will when I was taking the picture that is what I was aiming for. I saw this dear at my job when I was working for the Anita Purves Nature Center. The day up until then was, will pretty off-putting, it was a rainy day, so all our camp kids were stuck inside. Although at the time I was sitting in the break room on my lunch break when it first appeared. I remember turning my head to look out the window as I normally did because I loved the view that was outside. But something was different this time, in my head, I initially thought 'Oh someone put a fake dear outside' and looked away. Then not even a second later I turned back and screamed: "OH MY GOD A DEAR".
Once my mind had caught up to my eyes I slammed my face to the window to see what was happening. To my amazement, the deer was eating out of the bird feeders that were set outside. I was so excited right then because I had been told that there was a lot of deer that lived there but this was the first time seeing one at work. I needed a better look though, so I ran across to the 'viewing center' where a lot of the kids were huddled up because of the rain. Because of this, I had to tiptoe around them to get to the glass wall.
It was then when I realized that this would be the perfect chance for taking a picture. A nice wide shot of the forest in the background, holding the scene of a deer doing something deers don't normally do, in this case, eating out of a bird feeder. Initially trying to angle the shot without getting the window in the frame of the shot was so hard that it almost made me not want to take the picture. Because I felt like I was missing out what was going on and not really paying attention to what I was taking a picture of, I realized this by the kids "oooh" 's and "Aaah"'s, that there were other things going on that I was missing. What they thought was really cool was watching the deer swallow the food. Because she would fill up and chew as much as she could in her mouths and swallow a big lump that you could watch go down her throat. I found their amusement to this a hilarious, that something so simple as eating could fascinate them so much.
After taking a few moments of just watching and enjoying the sight of the deer. Switching binoculars around and telling each other what we see. I felt like it was time to take the picture I came here for. Although by the time I had gotten to it, the epic looking scene that I had originally wanted to take had faded away. But I was determined to at least photograph something because I wanted to make sure I never forgot this moment. And that's how got this, what I still think is a pretty beautiful picture. But my favorite part about this is that it makes me want to look around in the picture as if I'm still there standing in front of the glass wall. If you do that, then you find that there really isn't a center of attention here. You realize that what the photo is meant to focus on is the moment of experiencing your own and someone else's feeling of wonder.
But if there was a center of attention it would definitely be the chipmunk about to fall off that wooden table thing.
Once my mind had caught up to my eyes I slammed my face to the window to see what was happening. To my amazement, the deer was eating out of the bird feeders that were set outside. I was so excited right then because I had been told that there was a lot of deer that lived there but this was the first time seeing one at work. I needed a better look though, so I ran across to the 'viewing center' where a lot of the kids were huddled up because of the rain. Because of this, I had to tiptoe around them to get to the glass wall.
It was then when I realized that this would be the perfect chance for taking a picture. A nice wide shot of the forest in the background, holding the scene of a deer doing something deers don't normally do, in this case, eating out of a bird feeder. Initially trying to angle the shot without getting the window in the frame of the shot was so hard that it almost made me not want to take the picture. Because I felt like I was missing out what was going on and not really paying attention to what I was taking a picture of, I realized this by the kids "oooh" 's and "Aaah"'s, that there were other things going on that I was missing. What they thought was really cool was watching the deer swallow the food. Because she would fill up and chew as much as she could in her mouths and swallow a big lump that you could watch go down her throat. I found their amusement to this a hilarious, that something so simple as eating could fascinate them so much.
After taking a few moments of just watching and enjoying the sight of the deer. Switching binoculars around and telling each other what we see. I felt like it was time to take the picture I came here for. Although by the time I had gotten to it, the epic looking scene that I had originally wanted to take had faded away. But I was determined to at least photograph something because I wanted to make sure I never forgot this moment. And that's how got this, what I still think is a pretty beautiful picture. But my favorite part about this is that it makes me want to look around in the picture as if I'm still there standing in front of the glass wall. If you do that, then you find that there really isn't a center of attention here. You realize that what the photo is meant to focus on is the moment of experiencing your own and someone else's feeling of wonder.
But if there was a center of attention it would definitely be the chipmunk about to fall off that wooden table thing.
I really like how you took your description a step further by not just describing how the deer looked cool but also how there was a lot going on at the time you were taking the photo -- how the deer ate, how there was a chipmunk, how it was eating bird food, etc. It really ties all the elements of the photo in together rather than focusing on, like you said, the center of attention.
ReplyDeleteReading this blog made me realize that when viewing a picture that I took, was in, or had seen the scene before the picture, it is much easier to appreciate it. Seeing it again is like reliving the original experience, being filled with the same emotions, and having the same thoughts. A picture does not have to be about the image, but the context of the photograph.
ReplyDeleteNot gonna lie, I didn't see the deer until you said there was a deer (although that might just be me because I have no spatial awareness). I was more focused on taking in the entire scene. I guess that plays into what you said about there not being a center of attention in the photograph. It leaves the photo up for interpretation, for both the viewer and the photographer, which is pretty cool.
ReplyDeleteI love how you took such an otherwise simple scene (taking a photo) and narrated your reaction through the perspective of your thoughts. From acknowledging the deer to finally taking its picture, I have a vivid idea of what was going through your head and how you behaved to changes in your environment. I also appreciate that you took the time to mention the little things (I didn't even notice the chipmunk until you mentioned it), which gives your post details that add to its overall theme.
ReplyDeleteI found this blog post to be quite fascinating. In particular the difference in how you and the children reacted to viewing the deer. As the children conversed with each other about the deer you walked to capture this moment through photography. This contract speaks to your ability to see into the future and desire to remember this special moment, meanwhile the children saw only the present and conversed amongst themselves. Additionally, it took me a long time to look beyond the bird feeders and recognize the deer. Very nice work.
ReplyDeleteI like the way you started with a question, I feel that is an interesting way to start your post and I think it helps you reflect as well. I feel even though you spelled deer wrong on your essay, it adds a personal touch as well. I also really like the way your essay conveys your personal voice.
ReplyDeleteThe way you introduced your post made me hooked. As I read through, I was able to visualize being where you were. In that sense, I also like how bizarre what you saw was. Deer are common, but certainly not ones so close. I appreciate the overall reflection of your post.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your strong narration of just a single photograph. Similarly, I found it interesting the cultural differences between how deers are treated. Back when I had lived on long island, everybody thought deer where just a pest. They carry all sorts of ticks, including, as their name implies, deer ticks(which carry Lyme disease), they over populated the area with no wolves left to hunt them, hopped around lawns ruining grass and gardens and just being a menace on late night roads. And yet, when moving here, people will stop and galk at something which I had always thought to be a boring mundane nuisance.
ReplyDelete