52 WEEK PHOTOGRAPHY CHALLENGE
I’m Done and Dusted!
December’s photographs
The task seemed intriguing yet impossible when Rodrigo S-C presented it to readers at the beginning of the year.
But, it kept pestering my subconscious.
It reminded me of the anxiety I experienced when I hit the submit button for what turned out to be my first online published story. I felt like I didn’t belong in a writing community, yet knew I could string a sentence together with some element of ability to keep a reader interested.
I sat back and took note of what the experienced photographers came up with each month. I was amazed at how many different perspectives could come from one theme. It was then that I realized that it truly was a personal interpretation. There was no right or wrong.
My first submission for this challenge was in May, five months after it started — hence the fiendish flurry of stories the last month to complete the task. Now for my finale: December’s tasks!
#49 Under The Weather
I’ve lived in Montréal for 28 years and have never been so scared of the weather until this particular day in July. We were on a tornado watch and come 430 pm the sky went as black as coal.
Now in the Winter months, it’s normal to be dark come 430pm, but this was not normal. The swirling clouds were menacing.
My son and I were entertained for a good two hours simply by looking out the window. The weather rolled in and out with gusto four times; it was viciously wet and windy for a while then a short reprieve before the next onslaught arrived.
While it wasn’t teaming down, I braved going out on my balcony to capture this shot. No filters.
#50 Home Alone
When in Paris, France, visiting my daughter, I was bemused by how her Sphynx kitty was fascinated with the television. When they go out, they just need to load up the ‘box’ and put her favourite show on and she’s amused for hours!
Hilarious! I would have never thought of this as an option for entertainment so clearly, I am old!
#51 Double Exposure
This was THE hardest part of the challenge for me. I’m not clever with Photoshop so had to think outside of the box.
To be honest, I had this photo set aside for October’s ‘Negative Space’ requirement. I switched things around last minute.
This is a photo of a negative of me and my New Zealand cat, Baldrick, from 1995. I was so upset leaving him behind when we moved to Canada. I’ll always feel guilty about leaving him with a friend and then my brother. Yet, bringing him with us would’ve been equally disruptive to him.
So yes, this photo is not only being exposed twice, but it’s exposing the guilt of leaving a beloved pet behind.
#52 Self Portrait
At first glance, it’s hard to figure out what’s going on here. How did this picture even happen? Where am I standing?
Au bord du lac, there is always a photo exhibit near one of the new art pavilions. This permanent mirror is positioned on the corner of the art centre and the river.
I knew it would reflect something puzzling — with yours truly.
Thank you, Rigo, for offering tasks to broaden a photographer’s horizons. It encouraged me to take my camera walking more often, opened my mind to different angles and perspectives and I loved exploring the huge stash of photos I already had taken to find the perfect match for a subject.
You have helped me believe in myself as an amateur photographer and given me the courage to submit my work to a platform full of top-notch, real McCoy snappers.
Thanks for allowing us wannabes to give it a shot and practice the art of photography.
I’m not entirely sure how many Framers have submitted something every month, but I know for sure Rodrigo S-C did.
Here’s what I’ve garnished from a Medium search for December’s challenge:
And Lauri Novak
Please feel free to correct me in the comments and I will be sure to add anyone I’ve missed.
