Contrasts

Such a beautiful day. I just wish I could have enjoyed it more.

Oslo has once again come to life. Had I not dared to come out today I wouldn't even have noticed. But that is how it is in May.

There is, however, one advantage to being outside taking pictures while fighting hay fever at the same time: I was in the zone. I knew I couldn't be outside for too long, so I was concentrated, bent on getting the pictures that I wanted. I had to make every second count.

And what a day it has been in the end! I came home with quite a lot of keepers. And all of the pictures I had taken had a personal meaning. They weren't just snapshots. These photographs were taken with a message in mind. The picture above I call "Vintage".

"Spot the Black Guy". This was just a split-second bout of sarcasm. These guys actually sang quite splendidly. But when I saw them for the first time I couldn't help but think that they were lacking in diversity.

"I see you, even if you don't want to see yourself". This has got to be one of the most emotional photographs I have ever taken. I was wondering how it would be to be in this woman's shoes. But she has none. She buries her head inside her arms, out of weariness, or shame, or both. It's a beautiful day, but she doesn't notice. The people who pass by doesn't seem to notice her either.

Let's put a coin in that cup shall we? Hopefully it puts a smile on her face.

"Water shortage".

"Jealousy, Part 1". I'm envious because they have each other. I have no one. But I'm mostly jealous because they can sit outdoors and enjoy the weather. I, on the other hand, worry and hope that the antihistamines I took will hold their effect.

"Jealousy, Part 2". Pretty much self-explanatory this one.

"Sanctuary, keep out". Growing up in the Philippines I am used to churches being open all the time. But in Norway most of them are open only when there is mass going on.

"Lucky charms for sale, previous owner deceased". At the Sunday market in Birkelunden, close to where I live.

Such beautiful flowers. Quite a shame that they give me violent asthma attacks!

The only thing special about this image, is that it has got to be the most difficult scene I have ever captured. I have been trying to get it right for a whole year now. Funny that the "lowly" Panasonic GF3 metered the scene correctly on the first try.

Not bad for a short Sunday walk! And the micro four-thirds camera that I am using has once again impressed me.

But at the end of they day, I realized something. It's not just about the camera anymore. This is the camera, the photographer and the scene connecting seamlessly to create something meaningful.

Today is me at my very best. I hope there will be more days like these, minus the pollen!