Photographic Tale of the Week - LEECHES!!!!!

LEECHES!!!!! by Andrew John

Sometimes the beauty of photography is in its contrasts: the contrast between light and dark, soft and hard, foreground and background. It could be a purple flower, vibrant in a natural spot of sunlight in an otherwise dark green undergrowth. It could be the hard angles of a decaying barn set against the undulating green roll of surrounding fields. Or, in the case of Pictures with a Story - and part of my purpose for the creation of the group in the first place - the contrast of the final composition with the story of how it was created. 

I have been waiting for a photograph that is exemplary of this contrast, and with Andrew John's "LEECHES!!!!!" I have finally found it. 

The composition is like a golden dream - the tangle of reeds, mirror-like water, and beautiful, almost mythic woman are all blanketed in a soft glow. It gives a feeling both of warmth and an otherworldly aesthetic, taking us away from the often harsh sounds and sights of everyday life.

Now, contrast that with the story of how this photograph came to be:

On her way out to the log Caitlin stopped and started staring at the water, I asked what she was staring at. She said she wasn't sure, after about 20 seconds she shouted "LEECHES" and jumped up on the log. leeches were all over her dress and a few were on her leg but none managed to attach themselves. WHEW!

 

There were two blessings - one beautiful photograph for all of us to enjoy, and we got to read a wonderful story. Also, Caitlin didn't have to give up any blood for the shot. So maybe that's three blessings.

Check out the rest of Andrew's amazing photography on Flickr.

As always, this is a photograph selected from my #Flickr group, "Pictures with a Story." See the now 304 other contributors by checking out the group, and feel free to join.

Browse through the Essex Masque blog (you're on it!) for other Photographic Tales of the Week, as well as other randoms that I post. You can also find me on Twitter, Facebook, and my photography on Viewbug and Flickr. 

Please note that, as ever, do not use the images of the featured photographers without their express permission. I always contact them first.