‘Cloister Reflections’ is the image I choose for the first of my new “Reflections” series writing about my images. This practice is designed to create clarity in my photographs by better articulating my intentions in words. Over the course of time, consistencies as well as wrong turns will be made, in this exploratory format. With this photograph, I am drawn to three recurring symbols (triggers) that led to its capture and selection; old places with a backstory (curiosity), a portal/threshold (transformation) and reflection (personal discovery).  

Monastery Window, Ephrata

Walking around the Ephrata Cloister buildings on this crisp fall day, I was aware of a sense of stillness and mystique which descended on me, causing a slower, more contemplative step. Listening on an intuitive level, I connected to this window’s reflection.  Windows metaphorically are portals to another place, but this one is obscured by the mirrored reflection. To reinforce this, I used a shallow depth of field softening the clapboards and sharp focusing on the stone wall opposite. The surprise is a third plane, a rear window offering an escape, a way out of the illusion.

In this very straightforward image, there are several juxtapositions:

Seeing through vs blockage

Hard vs soft

Real vs unreal

Finite vs infinite

The list goes on…

As I grow in awareness, it is this juxtaposition I seek, a play in layers that deepens the visual experience. In sharing my love for unconventional beauty in forgotten subjects I find my inspiration in giving the viewer the opportunity to have their own experience within the frame.

Photography is a vehicle for self-discovery, a mirror of my own soul. It is my goal to explore, with all my senses, before raising the camera to my eye, that present moment, to create a complete experience.

Camera Nikon D810

Lens Nikkor 24-70 2.8

F stop: 2.8

Shutter speed: 1/250

ISO 400

Focal length: 70MM

“Reflections” will also be available on Substack:

https://substack.com/@reflectionsbychwphoto