Perceptions

One of the most common, yet accurate clichés is “perception is reality”. If you are outside in 50 F degree weather and you feel that you are freezing, chances are it is the middle of the summer. If you are cozy and warm while outside at that same temperature, it is likely mid winter. The truth is that it is exactly the same, no matter the season. I have written much lately about the fact that virtually every nature spot I go to, I love. Others read what I write, go there and think it is less than wonderful. Many would say “it stinks”. Maybe it is just that when I go somewhere to photograph nature, I tend to go intending to not only enjoy myself, but to be inspired. I guess I look at these locations through “rose-colored glasses”. Sure enough I find something about everywhere that I go to be inspirational. Perception is reality. Everywhere I have ever been in my life, bugs are not considered lunch. There are some places where they are a perfectly natural food source. Perception is reality.

Our perceptions about our subjects in nature photography, will most definitely affect our finished images, or possibly whether we will even make those pictures. Spiders, snakes, slugs and other such subjects, are not looked upon fondly by many photographers. That is a perfectly normal perception. That is how most people view those creepy crawly type subjects. I view them as interesting subjects so my perception is that it is normal to locate and photograph them. They are not however, my favorite subjects. Another photographer may have grown up in the home of an entomologist/herpetologist and find these guys to be their absolute favorite subjects. It’s all in our perceptions. Perceive a positive experience and it will often be just that.

I believe that the politics of many of us fall in place perfectly with this post. Depending on how you were brought up, or by who brought you up, or where you live or what kind of work you do, or who your friends are you may very likely buy into to the rhetoric of one side or the other. The other side will do no good because our perception has already led us to a conclusion. That is all perfectly natural human behavior, but is it just possible, that it gets in the way rational decision-making on our part?

Just food for thought.

The photos below really do not have anything to do with the theme of today’s post.

Sunrise On The Edge