Lost
Can you see the forest for the trees?
She was tired, exhausted of seeking something that she could not find. Why was she there in the first place? In despair, she ran and ran. Looking for a way out. It was getting dark. It was getting cold. She was lost.
She began to feel hopeless for she could not see the light in front of her. Her world was caving in. She tried to escape but she could not see the forest for the trees. All she had to do was slow down and feel what was within her heart. But she chose to give in to despair and the forest took her.
Have you ever missed the big picture or a solution because you were to involved in the situation?
Sometimes you have to step back to see the big picture and this is easier said than done β especially in moments of despair.
In this image, the subject is lost in the woods. Itβs dark, foggy, misty and perhaps even damp. She is dressed in a princess gown pinned to a tree with her head down. How did she get there? Did someone cast a spell on her? Did she give up? Why couldnβt she see the way out just ahead? Was there a loss of innocence? A metaphor for how we view problems now a days? Beauty and the Beast gone wrong? That I leave up to you, my dear reader.
What meaning do you see in this image? I would love to read them in the comments below.
Above, a little behind the scenes of Lost. Ted is making sure that our model, Monica Rubeck, is safe while posing for our class π Scroll all the way down for the speed edit.
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This original image was taken at the Promoting Passion Conference last year in Buffalo, New York. It was part of Brooke Shadenβs class. I was so incredibly excited to learn in person from her. She is one of the most caring, loving individuals I have ever met. When I see her and hear her speak, she is a combination of two really good friends of mine. I adore her work and she inspired me to pick back up composite photography.
In November, I purchased one of her images which now hangs in my office. Itβs a daily reminder to not give up on the spark in my soul that urges me to create these images. Itβs a pure feeling that I have β I cannot explain it. It just is. And I must honor that spark. Thank you Brooke for hosting this conference. It has been a life changing experience filled with meeting the most amazing creatives in the world (We had people from all over the world attend!).
Valeria - So cool to see your speed edit and behind the scenes! Love your concept about the bigger picture!
Anna - Aww thank you so much Valeria. I really appreciate you stopping by, watching and commenting π
Ashleigh - Holy crap! That is awesome! You are so talented.
Anna - Aww thanks Ashleigh π I really appreciate your comment! Thanks for stopping by!
Lindsay - This is incredible! I love how you show how much work, effort and talent it took to create such a beautiful image. LOST seems to fit this image perfectly in my mind. It is dark, confusing and lifeless around her but if she just looked up perhaps she could see the brightness radiating from the mirror and herself. I’d love to see a follow up image…and entire story of images. What happens next?! I SO want to know. Beautiful creation!
Anna - Lindsay that sounds like an amazing idea! I will definitely jot it down for a series. I really appreciate your thoughts and comments π Thanks for stopping by!
Sarah - I love this! I have definitely missed the big picture by being in my own head or too involved. Such a beautiful image and post to show this concept! And I love seeing the behind the scenes and speed edit!!!
Anna - Sarah I couldn’t agree more. I am like that too. I really appreciate your comment! Thanks for stopping by!
Shannon - The meaning I see is that she is so close to finding her way out of the forest, we can see the blue sky reflected in the mirror. But she is so preoccupied with the ground around her that she is literally stuck in the forest and will never find her way out. Great work, I especially enjoyed seeing how you created the final image.
Heather - I love seeing behind the scenes! So cool.
Anna - Thank you so much Heather π I really appreciate it and I appreciate you comment! Thank you so much for stopping by.
Haley - This is such a cool conceptual piece! And awesome you met Brooke Shaden. I followed her back when she first started on Flickr. π So cool to see the behind the scenes too.
For me, it looks like she’s stuck in a situation that she views as bad while trying to pursue the beautiful skies in the mirror (that maybe aren’t real). A greener pasture kind of thing. Kind of how we promote ourselves on social media. She’s dressed beautifully like things are great, but she’s stuck on the tree and things are not actual what they seem.
Anna - Hi Haley! I love your interpretation of this image! I agree about the social media part. I really enjoyed meeting Brooke and learning from her. She is a very cool person. Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts!
Sonja - Fantastic post! The video of you creating the image is waaaay cool. Great work! Love it.
heather - “She was tired, exhausted of seeking something that she could not find.” oh how I conect to that statement! Your image does the sentament justice.It is beautiful! I love what you shared from that special time in New York! Lovely as always.
Anna - Thank you so much Heather!!! I truly enjoyed our time together in NY and I appreciate you stopping by to share your thoughts π
Leigh - So much about this post that I just love. The image and the prompts. Hmmm. What DO I think? Your bravery for engaging fully in the conference. Your dedication to kindle that spark. You are talented, fabulous lady!
Anna - You are so wonderful Leigh and I am so grateful to have met you in Hawaii! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. I think we should plan a get together!
Sunshine - This is so cool!! I love to see the before and after!
Anna - Aww thank you so much Sunshine! I really appreciate your comment and you stopping by π
Adena - This is so insane and so inspiring! I’m in love!
Anna - Aww thank you so much Adena! I really appreciate your comment! Happy Saturday!