One subject I love to photograph, as much as flowers and gardens, is light. Light of all kinds – capturing its illusiveness has fascinated me for a long time.
In the northern Hemisphere, we approach the darkest days. But spirits are brightened as the festive season uplifts with endless sources of light, from man-made to spirit-made, from souls in harmony reaching out to spread brightness and warmth.
Some photographs taken over the last two or three years, experiments and explorations.
Twinkle, twinkle, great big stars.
Hearts, of course!
A butterfly-shaped filter I made for the Lensbaby and then pointed at the huge star light on top of a department store, turning its single light into a winged beacon. (For you, dear Kathryn.)
Just for fun, just for some sparkle in your day.
• • • •
Thank you very much for your visits and comments on the last two posts. I’m really so happy that many of you stopped by City of Blackbirds for my inspiration article and left such sweet comments for Éadaoin. I hope you get the opportunity to visit her regularly, she is a very special soul.
A bit busy at this end, and I imagine for you, too, dear friends, yes? I hope you can take the time to enjoy the preparations amid the busyness and know that you are appreciated.
xo – g
I have mixed feelings about the lack of light here. On the other hand it's more difficult to photograph, because there's barely any natural light (and I don't have any professional equipment). But on the other hand, I love candles and fairy lights, both in the house and outside. And it's really nice to go for a walk in the neighborhood, when there's lots of snow and almost all the houses have some candles or lights.
You have captured the spirit of the season really beautifully :)
Sparkle and joy!! Really lovely images of our times during this festive season of the year!
Many blessings!
Ann
Drool, drool, drool LOL I am constantly awe struck and inspired by your beautiful photos! LOVE the lights and I think I need to have that one of the lights with the heart shapes all over it, I think that will finish my three heart photos of yours that I want. I have an idea for what I want to do with those ;) When you have time, can you set me up with a custom listing on Etsy for the heart shaped leaf, the heart with snow on it and the heart lights in this post but all three photos in a size 8×8 square please? I would be ever so grateful! :) There's no rush, I probably won't get to that until after the holidays but I definitely want them!!
I am just waiting for more lights to be put up around here and add a little snow and you can be sure I will get out there some evening taking some photos. I have a 6 point star filter that I want to use too. Oh yeah and speaking of filters, did you use one to make those heart shapes? I've never seen one like that before so I am intrigued!
Well thank you for making me smile this evening :) I'm up late making backup disks of my files which I haven't done in a while so it's long overdue. I truly enjoy reading your posts and oogling over your photos. Thank you and if I don't talk to you again for a while, I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a blessed and Happy New Year! :)
~Jen
This is sooo beautiful! Reminds me that I still need to put up some lights at our kitchen window…
Everything you do is simply beautiful!! I just enjoy looking at everything over and over! Thank you for sharing your work!
Brenda
These are so pretty, it looks like a magical dream world!
From Carys of La Ville Inconnue
Oh my, these photos are just spectacular! I just love all the fairy lights…
I hope you're having a great week! Moa xo
You captured the light beautifully, dear Georgianna, especially I like the first photo, something magical is spreading out there! I agree, light plays such a big role in our lives and it becomes so much evident when we're in lack of it!
Cheers and hugs,
Zara
Purples, pinks, golds, blues … unexpected and beautiful colors of the holidays. Coming to your blog always leaves me with a smile on my face.
I know I am way behind you G, but I just recently discovered the joy of shooting light in the same manner. My hope is to get out one night very soon and capture a few glorious images. Probably not nearly as nice as yours, but I'll try ; )
Hi G
This is a beautiful and magical post. Some of the lights appear to be suspended in air and the butterfly is awesome.
Love your talent and imagination.
Judith
i just love the bokeh blur. i tried the paper punch filter last year and it is really amazing. that reminds me to try that again this year. you are a wonderful inspiration in so many ways. thank you again for sharing your beautiful work with us.
hugs, cindy
beautiful droplets of silver and gold flickering in the darkness, pure magic :) c xx
georgianna, you are the light. my light.
so whimsical, romantic, warm, yet wintry…lovely!
xo Alison
Love !!
The lights you've captured as so beautiful G.! My favourite is the butterfly. Have a wonderful weekend! xo
These are so gorgeous. I too have a strong love for lights, as they provide so many photographic opportunities. Upon diagnosis of my eye conditions, lights took on a deeper meaning and provide help for me too. I'm just blown away by this collection of images. I have been photographing the fairy lights around our home and tonight I'm going out to photograph the christmas lights in the park. So excited. We love our lensbaby too.
Dear Georgianna, beautiful pictures ! They indeed bring light and brightness into this dark time of the year! And I love all those rose-pink-watercolor shades….
Lovely sparkley lights. I like the butterfly too.
As the darkest months of the year are here to stay for a bit, the lights that sparkle turn a dreary evening into something more magical. I love London in December especially–with it getting dark around 4 each day, it's the Christmas lights that keep us going!
Your study of lights is amazing!
Debi
Inspired!! Those fun feminine colours, that perfect bokeh, the notions of illumination make this series so magical Georgianna. I could definitely blow up a couple of these to hang on my walls! Thank you also for sharing your beautiful story about exploring Venice in the early hours of a cold March morning. I was transported by your intimate recollection and am so jealous that David might be returning there real soon:) Wishing you both a relaxing and much loved weekend, xo Janine
Beautiful photos that made me feel that made me feel Christmassy.
Oh dear Georgi,
Your creativity never fails to amaze me!
Light is a wonder-filled topic for a post and it's a joy to see all the images you have created. The star one and all the branch ones. They're so hopeful in their delicate colors and twinkling lights.
I ADORE the butterfly one, I must order a print of it from you. There's no rush I know you'll be busy with Christmas preparations and all. So I'll make a note and ask you about it into next year.
Thank you so much for thinking to do it
Love light and hope
Kat xox
Light is my life. It clears things instantly. It is honest and sweet. Sparkling and a guide. This was beautiful friend. Blessings.
My favourite by far is the butterfly. I love the capture you have here G. Beautiful.
I too adore light. Sometimes I feel as though I need a camera attached at the hip. Last night while walking we had the most incredible light. It was surreal …lovely sharing your beautiful winter. x
Georgianna – These are just stunning! I truly think that light, beautiful light is one of the most perfect, yet elusive things to capture. You have done it so beautifully!
Have a wonderful weekend.
lisa.
Sparkle and joy and really lovely images for the festive season! very creative ideas dear G!!!
One of my favorite things about Christmas is the magic of the lights. They captivated me when I was younger and they still do. I recently took some photos of Christmas lights as well and I love working with the heart filter. So much fun!
spectacular!I love them!
Monica
Hi Georgianna, lovely to hear that my little post about baking inspire you. Colourful tools help ;)
PS! I'll post my saffron bun recipe during the upcoming week!
heidi x
How delicate and lovely. Simply delicious…
Oh Georgianna, these shots are really magical. Christmas lights are one of my favourite things about the Holidays. We need the light and you have captured it magically. Love the colours! I have to go out in the city and try to capture some myself. Hope you're having a relaxing weekend! xo
Once again, you are such a source of inspiration for me! Every time I come here, I gasp with delight, then I say to myself: "I have to try and duplicate that!" I think you are teaching me so much, dear G, even if you don't realize it. lol
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful talents and making my day that much brighter!
xoxo
Thank you for all that gorgeous sparkle! Made my morning.
Georgianna, the lights in your photos are so delightful, I have always been fascinated by the beauty and warmth of the twinkling lights.
I hope your weekend has been lovely and that you also will be able to enjoy the delights of this wondrous season amidst the preparations.
Have a glorious week my friend. xxx
Radiance. The perfect title for this beautiful post! How lucky we are that you share your photography and thoughts with all of us, g. Each and every one is a gift.
Wishing you a happy one,
~ Zuzu
Shoot, I missed this post! Bokeh wonderland!!
I keep waiting for the rain to let up so I can go out downtown, camera in hand. Do you think it will ever stop!
These are all glorious!
Bonjour Georgianna, those are so wonderful and romantic and the lights are simply stunning. The colours really say "winter-frostiness" and cool glamour.
Thanks for your lovely comment on my cards, sorry I haven't actually replied earlier, I have no idea where the time is going and every minute of every day seems to be filled with tasks… I did sell the cards at a Christmas Fair and used the rest of them for friends and family. In a way I thought it might be too late to put them on Etsy since I would have to double the posting times if somebody would want to buy it and send it on… so I'll put them on next year, but would actually in the meantime like to produce more cards/prints/postcards…
Wishing you a great week and stress-free time. Love from London x
Your photos are beautiful! I can't help but feel some sort of magic just looking through them. :)
Dearest sweet g, these photos are soo magical!! Love love love love!! They make me smile and feel warm! Have a lovely merry happy week sweet friend and love to you!
Thanks for your sweet comment on my blog :)
Merry Christmas to you too!
Heidi
Beautiful and oh so magical!!! Hope you're having a wonderful holiday season. xo-Terri
Oh wow, they are all amazing, and I love the tones. Gorgeous lights that did put me in a festive mood :) I hope everything is fine with you Georgianna. ♥ xoxo
These are all so beautiful Georgianna. I love lights too!!
you have such a beautiful blog. great inspiration!
Beautiful light, Georgianna! I feel happy when looking at those images!
GORGEOUS! Oh, I love these … :-) I made heart and star shapes for my lens last year. It's so much fun to play. Your butterfly is stunning!!
Just when I think you can't impress me more…
You do. You always do.
I love your work, my friend. You know that. And, I love you. In this crazy month, I've been missing you. Let's make a date to catch up on the phone in January. (Don't I wish it could be in person.) Want to?
This is my first visit and I'm hooked of your pictures, your creativity and the wonderful things you show me. Thank's for all!
Now I'm a fan of your wonderful blog – greetings, moni