The Light Inside

Jim Goldstein's blog at JMG-Galleries is one of my new discoveries thanks to Twitter. Jim is running a project to describe your favorite photo and the story that goes with it. I'm sure this won't be nearly as fascinating as the other entries, but here goes.

This story isn't just about taking the photo, but what the photo represents to me. When I got a new computer in 2003 (holy cow my laptop is going to be 4 years old?!?) I also got my first digital camera, a point and shoot Canon S45. I always had a camera, but only took pictures occasionally, mainly because I never got them developed. Well that all changed with the S45. I could take the pictures AND process them on my computer. It was great. And with the new fangled blogging that I started early in 2004 I could share the photos. So I'd take pictures and put them on the blog and I found photo memes and started participating in online groups.

Now to the fateful November day. I was at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (one of my favorite places) and I went into the tunnel. The tunnel is a light instillation by James Turrell titled The Light Inside. I came around the corner and it was exactly as you see it. The tunnel was empty, the security guard had his back to me and was in a very relaxed pose. I raised the camera and captured the moment. And in that moment I knew, KNEW, that it was a good picture and I couldn't wait to get home to see it. That was the moment that hooked me into photography for good.

And look at where it has lead me. I am a completely different person than I was three years ago. It is hard for me to convey to people that didn't know me how shy and insecure I was. How most of the weekends were spent at home feeling disconnected. Through my photoblog I have gone out into the world, my little corner of it anyway, and discovered my city (which I love). I run two online groups which I am so proud to be a part of and through them have met the most amazing people. I'm still shy, but I have stepped out of that old shell of a person and am on a journey to a new me. I have no doubt that all of this is because of photography and the connections I made. This photo will always be my favorite because it is a marker for the start of this change. As I was thinking about this post, I couldn't believe how perfect the photo's title is for me. The Light Inside.

Comments

[Christine]

I've always loved & adored that photo of yours, and I'm thrilled that it marks a change in your life and the chance for me to meet you. You never cease to amaze me, and often you are a guide for me in a way I can't really explain. Seeing things from your perspective often opens a whole new angle up for me. Seeing something differently - just like this photograph.

[Paul]

Very strong and striking image and great to read your personal story.
- Paul @ www.photographyvoter.com