Photo Exploration: A Cloudy Day at the Beach
I feel a deep chill of familiarity looking at these hazy photos of the beach. Maybe it’s because it strips back the idyllic nature of the beach and gives something close to reality. It is beautiful but there is something rough around the edges. As if sadness and joy meet understanding to reach peace.
This first blurry photo is one of my favorites ever taken. I love the movement contained in this photo and how it feels like a snapshot of an old memory. The reflection in the sand strikes me as alluding to the reflective nature of thinking about memories. The blurry element hints further at this idea of memory and how it changes and blurs over time.
This next photo takes on a much more dreamy representation in my mind. It reminds me of old photos from the 1900s that just show people living their lives. But the warm tones make it seem like an idealized version. It evokes the fondness we often develop for a past we may not of cared much for when it was the present.
This final photo feels like quiet surrounded by a crowd of noise because of the indistinguishable crowd of people in the distance but the lack of people in the foreground. I switch between seeing it as a lonely perspective or one of excitement that is about to run into the water with friends. I think the open endedness of the photo is what makes it so impactful. It shows the duality of how one can feel filled in their heart surrounded by people while another could feel empty.
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Nicole Asherah is an artist who connects people to intimate moments, feelings, and relationships experienced throughout life through her poetry, paintings, and photography. Her upcoming book, A Life Cycle: A Guide to Healing and Rediscovering Yourself, is available for preorder now here. It is out all places books are sold on March 14th! Please see more of her work at nicoleasherah.com
Check out my quiz Where are you in your life cycle? to better understand what you need right now to grow and become the best version of yourself.
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