During these short days, light becomes a focus.  And many of the winter holidays include light as an aspect of celebration.  There’s something about light that brings out the reflective qualities–those caused by the light, and those internal reflections provoked by the magic of light.  As a photographer, light has become an obsession for me.  I notice it, but don’t always master all I need to know and do to create the shots I envision.

We’ve had stormy weather here this past week, bringing some much needed rain to our parched earth.  I love the period after the storm (or between storm cells) when the sunlight peeks through the dark clouds creating a magical sky view.

Sometimes light becomes quite literal.  I noticed these industrial lights when we were at Home Depot picking a Christmas tree.  Even though it was mid-day, the light was on.  I couldn’t help noticing the brilliant green of the leaves behind it and the bright blue sky.

With the tree home, we set to work decorating.  Sorting out the string of lights is just the kind of job the cats love to help with (Jack is just outside this shot).  I like the way the lights glow and reflect on the wood floor.

It was nice to take a break from the cleaning and decorating and shopping for a dinner out with my hubby.  As we waited for our pizza at a local brewery, I noticed the lights reflecting off the window.  I like the way the inside and outside come together–it was a perfect way to spend a rainy evening.

With a short reprieve before the next rain storm hits later tonight, I squeezed a quick walk on the beach into my schedule.  It was as empty on the beach as the roads and stores were full today.  I appreciated the quiet of the rush of the waves and the wind in my face as the light played with the clouds and water.  This is where I come to think–and to not think.

If you look closely, you can see the pelican.  It was soaring and diving, obviously enjoying a pre-storm lunch.

So, take a look for light in your life.  You might find it in holiday celebrations, in nature, or maybe just in a quiet moment of reflection.

You can post your photo alone or along with some words: commentary, a story, a poem…maybe even a song! I love to study the photographs that others’ take and think about how I can use a technique, an angle, or their inspiration to try something new in my own photography. (I love a great mentor text…or mentor photo, in this case!) I share my photography and writing on social media. You can find me on Instagram and Twitter using @kd0602. If you share your photos and writing on social media too, please let me know so I can follow and see what you are doing. To help our Weekly Photo community find each other, use the hashtag #light for this week and include @nwpianthology in your post.

Share the light in your life this week–literal or metaphoric–I know I am looking forward to light through your eyes, and your lens!