When we look in a dictionary for the definition of reflection there are some common thoughts or trends as in these from the Cambridge Dictionary Online:

1. The image of something in a mirror or on any reflective surface
2. serious and careful thought

There are often other definitions as well, but here I want to reflect on these two. Each of the images in this post are made using the first and then there is some thought, perhaps not too serious or careful, related to each. Others may have different interpretations of these images or even the images themselves.

Innocence – The duckling here is innocent. Quite young, it has not been exposed to the beauty and dangers that may enter its life. Instead, the most important thing now is to simply swim fast enough to catch its mother who is a bit ahead. Living its life in a protected, not natural, environment, it does not need to worry about the source of its next meal, predators from above or below, or even the humans who watch it or take photos. As the duckling ages, it must learn of these dangers and how to keep safe. How does it gain this knowledge? It must be taught by the older ducks, the hen who gave it life or others. But this happens without voice, at least as we humans define it. It must learn when and why migration occurs. It must learn how to avoid predators. When the time comes to breed to ensure the flocks future. Yes, the duckling is innocent now but soon in will be knowledgeable and know how to survive.

Beauty – The wood duck drake is often described as one of the most, if not the most, beautiful waterfowl species. The multiple colors stand out bright against the environment. The drake here is also in a controlled environment, not in its natural habitat. How does the drake know that it is safe? Why does it come close enough to be photographed? There are no trees or other places to hide in the face of danger. Yet the wood duck or perhaps its offspring return each year to share their beauty with other waterfowl and even we humans. If it does not survive the winter, how do others know to come in its stead? While scientists may give us answers, are they correct? Or are we simply attempting to fit animal behavior into our human model? Why does the drake sport these beautiful colors while the hen does not? And how do they know where to go in the winter? The beauty is there for all to behold, but it creates so many questions that perhaps the best answer is to simply enjoy.

Peace – I have always had problems defining why we find sunsets so intriguing. Yes, they are often beautiful, but they can also present danger. But to me, this sunset image from Bosque del Apache to be very peaceful. The sun sets over the mountains, miles to the west. It reflects off the shallow water stirred by a light breeze. The sand hill cranes feed in the flooded fields seemingly without any threat. Later in the evening, the cranes will be joined by others, ducks and geese. And all will rest peacefully through the night. Then early the next morning the peace will be disturbed as the birds take flight, almost as one, to move to their daytime resting places, near and far. Unlike the duckling or the wood duck, these are birds are in their natural environment. Danger and risk are there. But at this time of day, all seem at peace.

Serenity – The Grand Tetons offer many different things to those who see them – safety and danger, homes and escapes, beauty, peace, a place to feed, a place to give life, and a place for life to end. To me this photo represents serenity, or calmness. The mountain in the distance is solid. It stands up to storms and rain. It tells us that some things are reliable and dependable. The river and reflection on this day show how things can be calm even as the world is in turmoil around us. Yes, on other days or at other times the water may be rough but after a few moments or days, it will return to the serenity of the moment to be enjoyed by others. Although one cannot see wildlife in this image, we know they are there, hidden away and safe. Perhaps they too are enjoying the pace and serenity of this wonderful place.

Introspection – As we reflect on things around us, we are given moment ourselves. Time to look at where we have been, and possibly where we are going. To think about what we have done and what we might do. I don’t really see this photo as a “selfie” or even a goal. I know where it was taken but I don’t know why. When I look at it, I remember the day it was taken, a simple reflection in a window. It highlighted a hobby or maybe a wish. But it has never been shared. It was a time to think, alone in a park. Perhaps it was a simple pause in my photography that day or a memory created for the future. I really don’t know.

I hope you have enjoyed these images and the few words that are shared. Maybe the next free moments you have, you too can reflect on the things around you and what they mean. Have a great day!