Perfection

DIGITAL CAPTURE August 4th, 2009 @ 6:50pm:  f4.8 @ 1/50th sec Nikon D50 w/18-135mm Nikkor AF-S lens - (straight from camera to computer with no artificial enhancement before or after exposure).

 

I came upon this image quite by accident, (as many good photographs in nature are "found," as much or possibly more so than the pre-conceived photo planned the day or week beforehand. I have titled this photograph, "Perfection" -  not in reference to my skill, but in having the active perception to see what quite possibly is something of perfection in the natural realm. The ancient philosopher Democritus wrote that "Much is perceptible which is not perceived by us." I find this to be as true in the photographic realm of natural discovery as I do when relating his thought to the spiritual realm, or even the scientific. Perception is a characteristic which can not only be learned, but continually developed over a lifetime of photographic pursuit.

Perfection is not to be achieved within human strivings. There are religions which attempt to promote such, but all in vain, usually relying on some level of repentance and human works to attempt to approach this unattainable throne of ill-perceived perfection, (vanity thinly veiled in the appearance of humility). Perfection belongs to the Author of all Creation. But it can be observed in the natural order of His creation. This is a task that needs continual renewal and practice, this development of our perception and acute awareness.

The late, great Eliot Porter, master and pioneer of 20th century color photography, (primarily of the natural environment) found some measure of greatness not so much in his grand vistas of the landscape, (as his rival in B&W landscape, the great Ansel Adams) but in the minute details he found wanting at his feet. Finding the natural order within the seeming chaos before his camera lens, Eliot brought attention to the incredible beauty of the often-ignored world at our feet. Perfection is an act of the unforced rhythms of grace. And it may be observed ever so often if we are paying attention and passionately focused on discovery more so than achievement.