On Monday evening I went to the library alone. A rare treat. I found a book titled Photography Speaks/150 Photographers on their Art. I have found it to be extremely humbling, inspiring, and fascinating. Here are some quotes from the book:
There is another quality which ought to be present in all photographs without which no photograph can be considered perfect; and, until this quality has been recognized, the photographer should stop before he pats himself on the back and says, “What a good boy am I,” after he has taken what he may look upon as a perfect piece of work, as an example of technical skill or an attempt at picture-making; it may be clever, yet for all that it is a failure if it cannot speak to those who look at it. Frank Meadow Sutcliffe (English, 1852-1941)
I longed to arrest all beauty that came before me, and at length the longing has been satisfied. Julia Margaret Cameron (English, born in India, 1815-1879)
If I were asked what I have learned during my 40 years experience as a Photographer, I should reply: “The most important thing I have learned is to observe the beautiful effects of atmosphere and light.” Many Photographers are concerned only with the subject and they seek to render it as it is. Often they fail to observe that the lighting and the atmosphere adorn and transform even the most humble and common-place objects. Leonard Misonne (Belgian, 1870-1943)
If you call it a “glorified snapshot” you must remember that life has much of this same quality. Alvin Langdon Coburn (English, 1882-1966)
The most important skill of the photographer is to know how to see. With just one click, the lens captures the photographer’s inner world. Germaine Krull (German, 1897-1985)
I photograph to see what things
look like photographed. Garry Winogrand (American, 1928-1984)
Good to be Home 
beautiful photos
Ahhh, Shanda ~ these are so peaceful. The second and last ones are my favorites ~ I really want to stand where that last one was taken. It definitely spoke to me ~ the quotes are great ~ I may need to check our library for that book!
Of the books I get out of the library this is one that over the past few years I have gotten out the most (in the subject of Photography) I have taken so many notes from it that I often ask myself “why don’t I just buy it?” so I had to smile when you came upon it as well!
I bet you are delighted with this post! Your images and these thoughts blend perfectly, lifting my soul to another place for a moment. Was it early morning when you tooke these pictures?In the 1st one it feels like it was cold and dark, till the sun hit the tree branches with the promise of light and warmth
p.s. just ordered the book from our Library system!
I just wandered in here from Colleena’s site. I wanted to say thanks so much for the comment you left there. It really encouraged me and gave me a sense of hope and direction. Thank you!
Your photo’s definitely speak!
I Love the last one! =]
I think I need to take a trip to the library today, thank you for sharing these beautiful quotes. Your pictures are wonderful I LOVE the 2nd and the last one the best.
First, I’m glad you had some time by yourself.Second, this post is just beautiful. Thanks for sharing the beauty of what God has created.
Thanks for visiting my site. Yours is beautiful! We actually only lived in upstate NY for a couple of years. Originally from PA, and now in VA. And I homeschooled my girls – now all grown!
Oh, I want to jump into those pictures and go for a nice calm long walk! They are beautiful!! Thank you for sharing them with us!!
You have definitely been given a gift and it speaks to all of us who sees it.
Your pictures are really truly beautiful. You should think about using your gift to make some $$$! 🙂
So beautiful Shanda. I am glad you were able to go to the library alone and that you found a book you truly enjoy.
Lovely pictures and interesting to read. If you would like to see more talented photography, check out my friend Tislynn’s site. She lives in Colorado, and photographs she takes of nature are also beautiful. Thank you for sharing God’s beauty with us!
I love the pics. I wish I didn’t live in the city!!! Nature is so much nicer to photograph than power lines…
These photo’s are awesome!
The pictures are speaking to me in a way that only God’s creations could. A peace came over me from my eyes to my heart to my stomach, literally. I breathed a sigh of peace…thank you, thanks for sharing..love, Evalyne
As someone who is (finally!) learning to take better pictures, I found these quotes (and your pictures, as always!) very inspiring! Thanks for sharing. 🙂 Love, Heather