Inspired by Light

The colors and tones of nature, influenced by weather and light, inspire me to capture and share the stories that live in every image.

Unfortunately, due to extreme drought and low rainfall during key months, our Texas wildflowers showed minimal growth this spring. I heard there were a handful of nice patches east of the I-35 corridor and north, in Ennis. I chose to stay close to home marking the first Texas spring since 2009 that I haven't ventured out to photograph regardless of the circumstances. Instead, I planted and tended to our backyard garden, which was a refreshing change from the usual wildflower chase.

I also took time to write and reflect on previous years, considering both the joys and challenges of being on the road in search of fleeting moments and flowers that caught my eye.

In the spring of 2021, Texas Highways Magazine featured my nature imagery in a portfolio titled "Tones of Texas." The design team created a stunning layout, organizing the photographs to coincide with my website galleries, which are separated by color and tone. The following thoughts were born from these reflections.

Light inspires me by shaping color, tone, and mood through subtle shifts, dramatic angles, and varying contrasts. It adds character to the subject, stirs emotions, and sets the overall atmosphere. For instance, a cloudy, gloomy afternoon may evoke melancholy or quiet introspection, while a sunrise painted across a boundless sky can be awe-inspiring and instill a sense of wonder. A clear blue sky filled with sunshine brings energy and vibrancy. On a lightly overcast day, a field of wildflowers appears softer, creating a smooth and even tone. When a ray of light breaks through the clouds and illuminates the field, colors shift, shadows deepen, and highlights emerge.

On a dreary April afternoon, while wandering down a Texas back road, I came across a large patch of evening primrose. The soft pink blooms were abundant in a picturesque scene along the roadside. When I stepped out of my car for a closer look, the lithe petals of the primrose swayed in a sudden rush of wind. Photographing the graceful flower in unfavorable light and windy conditions seemed futile until I changed my perspective. I bent low and shot upward, allowing me to capture the delicate simplicity of the primrose, elevating it beyond mundane observation.

More times than I can count, perseverance and a little luck have yielded excellent results. In mid-November, after hours of scouting for a sunset image, I became increasingly frustrated by the numerous "private property" signs along the banks of the Guadalupe River in the Texas Hill Country. With sunlight fading, I maneuvered through the winding river road to no avail. Suddenly, I noticed a glow emanating from a stand of trees in the distance. When I reached the light, there was a bridge where I could pull over. In one serendipitous moment, the most beautiful autumn scene unfolded.

Warm tones dwell in the golden hours of daybreak and nightfall. They awaken and inspire. They settle in and soothe. Warm tones are autumn tones: a backward glance, a forward gaze. Autumn is the clear sky of blue, the crumbling rust of a withering leaf, unrestrained revelry, and moments of quiet reflection. Autumn is courageous and retreats in subtle undertones.

Blue calms, relaxes and is the color of the sea. She walked in silhouette along the dawn’s blue shoreline, with sunrise pink underfoot, and a loyal, trusting companion by her side. She moved with ease and confidence and died a few years later. When the colors come, I feel her in a whisper. Blue is a depression of the spirit. Blue protects, soothes, and supports us when we're down. That’s the paradox of blue.

Shades of green offer balance to the mind and body with a touch of soul. They relax, revitalize, and encourage hope. Tones of green reflect openness, awareness, and connection to the earth. Green symbolizes harmony and growth.

Purple’s greatness lies in its complexity and its awareness to enlighten with compassion. Shades of purple motivate us to step outside our comfort zones, igniting imagination and creativity. Purple encourages us to engage and share our deeper thoughts. We revel in its sacred beauty, highlighting the magic and mystery it inspires.

Click this link to see the Texas Highways Magazine piece “Tones of Texas.” Tones of Texas by Theresa DiMenno