Things are not always what they seem. Sometimes when I am making pictures I notice that the plot is thickening. Other times, I don’t notice until later.
The camera though, it is a keen observer. It has spent a lot of time looking. It has developed a sense of humour. It understands how I love double meanings, a good pun, or an interesting metaphor. And it sees what I am looking for. Sometimes it is the one to point things out.
The lens. It knows how to make the tiniest of adjustments. It knows how shallow or how deeply I want to go into a subject. It makes sense of the light, filters it carefully. The lens is meticulous.
The subjects. They are generous with their time. They are frequently in transition and often surprising. They too have a sense of humour. And they are always teaching me. Showing me how to look at things. Showing me how things are and how they are not. But also, how they could be.
Do you see the things I see here in these images? These shapeshifters?
All images © Karen McRae, 2012
draw and shoot 
Stunning
Thank you, Antonio.
wow
Thanks, CJ.
At first I thought this was an insect – a bee, but then realised it was a plant. Lovely picture, very mysterious.
Oh good, you see the bee…
yes the soft background always makes me wonder where they grow.
Oh, it’s a hardest question to answer, since you could be seeing
even 4th dimension 🙂
True, who knows what dimension the other is seeing in! 🙂
I see beauty and an assortment of wily critters.
I’m glad you see the wily critters.
yes! I thought it was some kind of insect, at first! So clever. I love when the camera just presents you with little gifts. But, I suspect it is more than just the lens, and perhaps the photographer is also quite meticulous, a keen observer, with an eye for humour and the tiniest detail, and way too modest! 😉
I second that! 🙂 Gorgeous.
So Great！！！
thank you!
The first one I thought was a snakes head with a tongue tasting the air…but a bee will do !
The second a swordfish or even a sword fighter !
The 3rd the rear view of a cricket?
The 4th a little duck stuck headfirst down a hole
The last one… hmm a plant !
Helen, I was thinking the last one looked like a bee. the first on does remind me of a lizard or a snake head.
Nope can’t get the bee Karen.. I must be losing my touch !
I probably see my things, Karen, in your photos. Nr 2 and the last have most magical mystery for me.
Thanks very much, Bente. Magical is good!
I love the sensitive way your photographing these.
Thanks, Allen. Much appreciated.
Indeed, they are shapeshifters! I love the atmosphere and the abstract of it! Congrats
Thank you, Marija.
this photos made my day, they are visual poetry. For some reason pictures like these always make me think of the bodies of dancers….
That’s such a great comment, thank you! I know what you mean, I often think that they are like dancers also.
You’re absoultely right! Adoreable lighthearted photos, alsmost dancing over my screen. I love your work, very sophisticated!
Have a great weelkend,
Dina
Dancing over your screen, thanks Dina – I love that!
Ah, yes Karen, I do see the shapeshifters and I love your perspective!
🙂
🙂
Beautiful! Sometimes the power of depth of field is forgotten, these images remind us of what is possible.
Thanks for commenting, Stina. I do love experimenting with depth of field.
I see a bee, and then an alien (insect) and then something from Venus (another alien) and something from Mars (ditto) and something outer-planetary. Am I right? hehehe:)
Whatever you see is right, Gigi. Definitely some outer-planetary stuff going on!:)
Wonderful post karen. Very thought provoking. 🙂
Thanks so much, David. I am glad you found it thought provoking.
Incredible photos….
Thanks, Scott.
You’re welcome. 🙂
I love the mystery of these, Karen. I’m reaching for my reading glasses trying to identify the object. I always forget how, up close, things look just so bizarre.
They are bizarre close up, aren’t’ they? That’s is one of the things I love about macro photography – It’s often a surprise.
Thank you Anna.
Alot of what your lens sees, Karen, I feel is because of its operator 🙂 Your camera is definitely an extension of your artistic eye, and mind!
We may have formed a bit of a bond… 🙂
Thanks, Marina.
I LOVE this post Karen – so true!
Thanks so much, Carla.
I haven’t been over to your place in too long… these pictures are soooo great… I see insects too, and little fairies and little beings and bumblebees. Must sketch….!
I love it when creativity inspires more creativity. Do post some sketches! 🙂