Blue Bells and the Orton Effect
Beauty, real Beauty, hurts me. The pain comes from a frustration with my own limitations as a human being.
These blue bells are so beautiful for one week in spring that there is a strange agony in being there, because wherever I look there is more Beauty behind me that I'm not seeing; I'm not big enough to take It all in. I want to bathe in It, but we are not of the same substance. I ache to possess It - maybe that's why I take my camera - but this photo is a bucket with a hole in it, and just the last drops remain. Beauty scorns any attempt to contain It. It is wild.
And so It doesn't hurt me by pointing out my own ugliness, as if It would debase itself with accusation. Instead It reveals Its superiority over me by never mentioning it. It is secure enough in Itself to come down to my level - never at my beck and call, always Other - and let me enjoy my longing for It.
And when It fades at the end of the week it is I who mourn the loss; It feels no pain, for It knows It is not dying, only leaving, for a time...
36 responses
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Michele McDonald said (16 Aug 2007):
it's beautiful and different. but what's the orton effect?
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chris wigmore said (17 Aug 2007):
thanks, michele. the orton effect? it creates the 'dreamy feel', and is done by multiplying two overexposed images, one sharp, the other blurred. google it - there are some clearer explanations out there :)
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Phil Puleo gave props (24 Aug 2007):
wow nice. gotta try the Orton Effect. and thanks for the definition!
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chris wigmore said (24 Aug 2007):
thanks, marc and phil :)
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Catherine Hadler said (27 Aug 2007):
great effect, lovely shot :o)
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chris wigmore said (28 Aug 2007):
thanks, catherine
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melanie scott said (16 Sep 2007):
beautiful, dream-like image!
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Suzy Mack gave props (21 Sep 2007):
dreamy! can't believe there is a place like this
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Antje Woolum gave props (21 Sep 2007):
This is so very peaceful....gives me the feeling of ultimate peace!
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Eric Sayah gave props (3 Oct 2007):
Like out of a fairy tale... wonderful!
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chris wigmore said (3 Oct 2007):
thank you all :)
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Audrey Kanekoa-Madrid gave props (3 Oct 2007):
This is so beautiful. I want to run through there!
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Mariana Bello said (4 Oct 2007):
this is a beautiful picture
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Lina Palmerin said (5 Dec 2007):
heavenly!
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Alyssa Andrew-Swift said (8 Dec 2007):
this is stunning!
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Emma Brahas said (19 Dec 2007):
Wonderful. A big Yeah!
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Charles Bertoia said (5 Jan 2008):
Thanks for giving the name of the effect Chris. Can't wait to look it up.
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Merrick Kingston gave props (15 Jan 2008):
Incredible. w.o.w.
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eva monbert gave props (18 Jan 2008):
fantastic effect, lovely
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Aggie gave props (30 Jan 2008):
stunning color, not to mention the wicked orton effect you used. Well photographed! A true Midsummer Night's Dream..
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Elliot Ross gave props (6 Feb 2008):
Love the color...reminds me of either shakespeare or Tolken
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Mike Houge said (7 Feb 2008):
You've created a great image-well done!
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Laura Boston-Thek gave props (8 Feb 2008):
WOW this is beautiful!
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Mandolin Davis gave props (29 Feb 2008):
whats the orton effect? now ill have to googe that. this is an amazing image...i love the bold vivid colors.
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amir ali atighi moghaddam said (3 Mar 2008):
Wow nice.....
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Adrian Rodriguez gave props (7 Mar 2008):
Beautiful Shot
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Michelle Mogavero gave props (12 Mar 2008):
Simply beautiful!
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Marshall gave props (9 Apr 2008):
really balanced...
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adniloj gave props (13 Apr 2008):
beautiful; i take a week off when the bluebells arrive - just to sit amongst them! Your pic is a stunning representation of these beauties
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Tina Baker said (16 Apr 2008):
Wow! Amazing!
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Lisa Slifko said (17 Apr 2008):
This is such a beautiful image Chris...It truely brings me to the desire to lay down in it and just drink in the magnificent beauty and peaceful aura...Thank you for sharing it.
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James Walsh said (25 Apr 2008):
What can be said? A magnificent photo.
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Nancy Charter Kechnie Goatbe said (28 Apr 2008):
Lovely write up.. beautiful colours lighting and subject
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emre yıl said (21 May 2008):
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Christopher Smith gave props (8 Aug 2008):
Unreal. This is Fantastic!!!
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Ikhlef A. said (24 Sep 2008):
Lovely image. It is capable of making you write that nice text.
Great shot. Terrific treatment.
