Photographing the Longest Night
December 21 is only a few days away. On this side of the equator, December 21 marks the longest night (and shortest day) of the year. I have a question for you: what does winter solstice mean to you?
Does it symbolize the absence of natural light or rather the dawn of the new light (longer days) that follows it? Does it symbolize darkness and hopelessness or rather a turning point that marks the beginning of a long way to spring and all the new life and rebirth associated with spring?
What’s the meaning of the winter solstice and how can we represent it, as creatives?
As I often find myself drawn to the darker side of life, I often associate winter solstice (and winter, in general, for that matter) with:
– the absence of natural light (or light, in general, and all that it represents)
– darkness (of any kind)
– the darkest hour
– the absence of hope
But December 21 also means:
– a friend’s birthday
– a reason to capture all that darkness and all that it represents
– realizing that the holiday season is not over
– realizing that the worst is over when it comes to lack of daylight, but also that from now on, days will start getting longer and longer; eventually, darkness will give way to light; spring will come again, and, with it, new hope.
So what does winter solstice, the longest night, mean to you, as a creative? Does it inspire your work? If yes, how?
Myself, I use the longest night (and shortest day) of the year as an excuse to explore its darkness and all that darkness has to offer.
Have a warm winter solstice. And have hope, too.
As always, thanks for stopping by,
Alina Oswald 