Second Sight

In the dictionary, Second Sight is the ability to see the future. A view of what is ahead, like an extra sense. Second Sight is also defined as a phenomenon where the eyesight suddenly improves, allowing a much better up close. This occurs very often with those who have had cataract surgery and can suddenly see details again.

Some call it a “photographer’s eye,” but for me, it is the ability to see things in a deeper context. Do you see a dilapidated old barn that is wasting away? Or do you see the wood, faded, bleached from the sun, worn like the skin of an elderly person? Do you see the texture, the different tones?

Do you see birds sitting on a power line? Or do you see an amazingly proportional view of nature?

We miss so much in our lives. I guess this is why I love film photography so much. It has given me a gift of Second Sight. I am looking for texture, tiny details, movement, shapes and structure. I try to emulate black and white film with every view. How will the dark blue sky look in dark gray? How will it contrast against the white bark of a tree in the foreground?

With limited frames that can be captured onto film, you ration your shots like you would food on a deserted island. Film, paper and chemistry is expensive. The time to process and print, even more so. Yet, aside from creating art, you are given a really wonderful gift in return. You train yourself to see what others pass by or miss.

I used to see giant storm clouds as dangerous warning signs to take cover. I still do. But, now I also am in awe when I view their sheer size, depth and continually moving details. It is beautiful to watch them grow. To see this earth changing, ever-changing, revolving with us along for the ride as with so many other living creatures.

Second Sight allows you to see how everything fits so perfectly within nature. Early morning dew dripping from a blade of grass or flower petal. The clear and pure droplet, glistening and reflecting the amber warmth of morning light.

Mist rising from a river or lake, becoming more active as the earth heats and the sun rises. Dancing in front of you, providing a free show. A privilege. A gift that only you, the person standing there alone, will see.

When I take photographs there are many reasons. Preserving a view for posterity, because tomorrow it may be gone. Capturing beauty to share with others as a gift.

Or, as a way to feed my soul by seeing beneath the blurred vision of everything, and looking deeper. Deeper into nature, and in turn, deeper into myself.