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  • Melissa Knowles

Reaching for the Light

Once, I was captivated by the graceful dance of water lilies on the surface of the pond. These water-dwellers whisper a beautiful story of resilience and transformation. Rooted in the mud below, they push their flexible stalks upward through the earthy rhizomes, reaching for the light above—from the depths of darkness to the brilliance of day.


In my life, there are moments when I feel out of my depth, submerged in uncertainty as if navigating uncharted waters. In those times, photography becomes my anchor. I'll ask how photography can help me right now. In doing so, I discovered a connection between my feelings of being adrift and the concept of depth of field in photography. For those unfamiliar, depth of field refers to the range of distance within an image that appears sharp and in focus. It made me ponder: Do I possess a depth of field in my life? Does it change? When? And why?


I’ve always gravitated toward shallow depths of field, capturing the beauty of a fleeting moment while letting the background fade quietly. Yet, I began to wonder if, by shifting my focus to a greater depth of field, I could also imagine expanding my inner capabilities. What if I could cultivate a stronger sense of self to navigate the unchartered waters I faced?



With this thought in mind, I turned my lens toward the water lilies, their journey reflecting my own. Each blossom, emerging from the depths, reminded me of the strength required to seek the light. Their unwavering ascent became a symbol of hope and possibility, urging me to remain open and, by doing so, realize the wellspring of strength within me.


How beautiful it is that nature, in its quiet wisdom, serves as my mirror, offering reflection and inspiration. Through the delicate dance of water lilies rising from the mud into the shimmering surface of the pond, I was reminded that even in the murkiest depths, I have the power to reach for the light.





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