Sunday, August 1, 2010

The Zebra in Switzerland

"I really believe there are things nobody would see if I didn't photograph them." - Diane Arbus

Perhaps you were thinking that upon my return from Switzerland, you would see grand vistas of the alps? Snow capped peaks and high alpine meadows? Yes, those are somewhere in my pile of files. But what I wanted to share first is the zebra bench. This is something that stuck in my head. I loved this bench, and the plants around it, that I found wandering in Unterseen and Interlaken. I had a great time photographing it, studying it from different angles and compositions while Patrick and Brandon waited for me. There is nothing like a scene like this to give me a wonderful creative burst, and I knew I would love at least one of the photos I took.

But almost as interesting, is the conversation I had afterward with Patrick. I mentioned something about loving the zebra bench, and he said, "What zebra bench?" He hadn't even seen it. Wow. I spent 10 minutes photographing something that someone else didn't even see. Now, I doubt that I'm the only person to have photographed this little scene, I'm sure there are many others who have done the same. But the idea that there are many more that didn't see it at all, makes me realize, once again, that I have something to share with the world. I can show people what I see, from the Kat Eye View.

"The camera doesn't make a bit of difference. All of them can record what you are seeing. But, you have to SEE." - Ernst Haas

So, so true.

9 comments:

  1. Yes, I agree with what Ernst Haas said too, Kat! I love the zebra bench too, and your entire composition! Thanks for sharing it.

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  2. ooo, fabulous zebra bench...I'm so curious about the story behind it...why the owner decided to have that... :) I love the quote by Diane Arbus too...

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  3. Absolutely too true... That is why I like hanging out with my gkids. They see stuff I miss. Not sure if we lose the ability to see over time and must work harder at finding it or if it is a gift. Great quotes - will never think of Switzerland without zebra stripes again!

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  4. Both quotes are so true. What you observed so often happens. What takes our breath away, delights us is often missed by others! thanks for sharing (and stopping by)

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  5. YES! that is exactly how I feel about so many things. We have to open our eyes to see what is going on right in front of us. Life will pass so many by with out any great surprises because they are not looking for them. Thanks for your observations and reminders! :)

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  6. What a lovely and quirky little spot.
    I love that your thing is finding these little 'hidden' corners of the world and pointing them out. What a great service, especially when you think about how much beauty goes by unnoticed.

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  7. I love this!
    And how you've related it to the theme of your blog! So odd that things are hidden from some in plain sight.

    Looking forward to more photos!

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  8. The zebra bench is awesome! It is always interesting to see what stands out to various people. That's why sharing our visions is so exciting. Thanks for sharing!

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  9. What a delightful little bench and pot flower garden! And a great reminder for us to keep our eyes open to everything around us. Love the quotes! :)

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What's your view of the world? I love to hear yours too!

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