Wednesday, April 01, 2009

Thematic Photographic 43 - Reflective


Look out any window
London, ON, March 2009 [Click to enlarge]


I'm not sure why taking the train makes me feel more reflective than usual. Maybe it's because of its genteel nature: Unlike other forms of intercity transport, you don't really have to do much to take the train. There's no airport security, no maddening battling with highway traffic, no stress. Just find your seat and watch the countryside roll by. I can't understand why more people don't get on board.

This image is reflective in a number of ways. Literally, it reflects the platform as I got off the train. It was late evening, and I was coming home from a long, eventful day in the big city a couple of hours to the east. That's where the figurative reflection comes in. I felt very at peace at that moment, as I had done my best and knew the day would result in better times ahead. Sometimes, all it takes is a photo of a moment to evoke a memory that resonates.

Your turn: This photo kicks off our new Thematic Photographic theme, reflective. If you've got a photo already - or are hankering to take one that fits - simply post a photo to your blog, then paste the link in a comment here. Here's more background on how TP works:
  • Every Wednesday evening, at precisely 7 o'clock Eastern, I post a new Thematic Photographic entry.
  • Each entry has a unique theme. This week's is...reflective!
  • You post a similarly themed image over on your blog.
  • You paste a link to your entry in a comment here.
  • If you've already posted something that fits (on a blog, Facebook, MySpace, wherever) simply post the link to the existing entry. Old or new, all photos are welcome.
  • You may post as many photos or links as you wish. For the next week, I'll be supporting this theme with a related picture/posting each day. I encourage you to do the same. This is all about sharing, so feel free to share to your heart's content!
  • Please share this link with friends, too, and encourage them to join in. The more, the merrier.
  • And please accept my thanks for your enthusiasm. Your participation has made TP a true highlight for me each and every week.

42 comments:

Memoirs of a Heroinhead said...

Since the advent of the internet train journeys have changed... they used to be reflective for many people, but the scenery gazing has given way to screen gazing - laptops, mobiles,MP3's, etc.

People are shrinking into their own small personal space... viewing the world second hand. many will visit google to see what the weathers like instead of looking out the window. Observation is a dying art form. Good on you for keeping up the practice.

Best wishes, Shane.

srp said...

It looks like a golden carriage. I've ridden the trains in Europe and watching the countryside is wonderful. I agree.. more railways to more places would be great. Make traveling more relaxing for sure.

My reflection for the day is here.

awareness said...

Beautiful shot Carmi...it has a magical feel to it...a journey to far far away. Hope Donkey's there. :)

Here is mine....

http://mayfairplace.blogspot.com/2009/04/silver-stillness.html

ps. I've got to learn how to do the "link" thing in comments.

Karen ~Georgia Angel said...

I've never ridden a train before. Great photo. Thanks for sharing.

Mojo said...

Niiiice. I love train shots! And this one is especially fetching. Both for the real and the metaphorical reflection in it.

I was a bit more literal in my interpretation, but you'll understand why when you see it.

Thematic Photographic 43: "Reflective" v.1.0: 1953 Chevy 5-Window Pickup

Glennis said...

I love traveling by train. Loved your photos.

I just arrived home this evening after traveling by PLANE. And I am reflecting on the life-transition I helped with - preparing my mom's home for sale, going through our family's history. So here is a photo of something reflective, that makes me reflect.

www.doves2day.blogspot.com

kenju said...

I love trains, and I would be very happy if the US had a system like that in Europe. My train trips from Rome to Florence to Zurich and Paris were wonderful.

Lulda Casadaga said...

Love this pic! And of course I love the trains...when I was doing the commute thing I would take the train and would always keep an eye out to what changed or remained the same. Nice reflection...ok, I'm off to find one!

Robin said...

I love the way you see so much more from the train, it's mesmerizing. Your shot is beautiful Carmi, the light is superb, making the reflections look like molten gold.

I'm linking to one from the archives this week - it's got three of my very favorite reflections in it :).

Camping, Israeli-style

Gordon said...

Yes train journey's in this country are well "interesting" since well the trains we have aren't that shiny also often crowded and your right people do shrink into their own worlds.
I unfortunately never find the time to go by train and have no need maybe just maybe I'll take a train somewhere one day.

janie said...

gorgeous, like liquid mercury!
I love zoning out myself while hurtling through the landscape, eyes wide open but just enjoying the blur:)
Here's mine...
http://janies-rainy-day.blogspot.com/2009/04/narcissistic-kangaroo.html

Cuidado said...

This beach is covered with ice and snow at the moment but in July.....
http://photosandpursuits.blogspot.com/2009/04/reflective.html

Light and Voices said...

My journeys are usually by airplane. I am one of those people who want to get to the place, enjoy it for two weeks and then come home. I wish I could take a train across Canada but so far that has only been a dream. Here is my submission for reflective: http://lightandvoices.blogspot.com/2009/04/thematic-photographic-43-reflective.html

Thank you Carmi for being the host each week. I look forward to what your theme choice will be. You are a very talented writer as well as photographer.
Joyce

Daryl said...

I didnt plan this .. well I did plan on posting this photo today but it was set up to post before you announced the theme .. its perfect .. here you go...

http://onthem104.blogspot.com/2009/04/thursday-in-hood.html

ciara said...

here's my post. not good, but not bad, i guess lol loved your photo :)

Silver Reflections

Reb said...

Hi Carmi. I've seen Kcinnova doing this and it looks like fun so I thought I would join in.

I love your train photo, it is beautiful. I think I have ridden a train once...way back when I was a teen, they don't have them out here in the west.

I don't know how to do the link, but here is mine.

http://sibupegasuspower.blogspot.com/2009/04/reflective-bit-of-rant.html

Maude Lynn said...

I love the tones of this one!

maryt/theteach said...

I've got something up for reflective now Thematic Prographic 43 Yours is quite impressive Carmi. :)

Mojo said...

And heeeere's Round 2 for this week. Still at the car show though.
Thematic Photographic 43: "Reflective" v.2.0: 1960 Chevy Impala 2 Door

Jax said...

Another great theme, Carmi - thanks!

http://writerjax.blog-city.com/thematic_photographic___reflective.htm

Daryl said...

Here's my Reflective .. its a portion of the memorial Columbus Circle statue ..

http://onthem104.blogspot.com/2009/04/thematic-photographic-43-reflective.html

Christine Gram said...

Wonderful theme. My post has the title "reflective" at http://strangepilgram.blogspot.com/2009/04/reflective.html

Anonymous said...

I love this photograph. My husband commutes on the train (a great place to nap).
I'll try to get a pic or two up before we leave on spring break.

bobbie said...

Riding a train always gives time for reflection. Love it.

Mine is up:
bobbie-almostthere.blogspot.com

Hilary said...

Love this idea. Made me think of a photo I took last week, that while imperfect, made me want to go back and look at it again and again. Guess you could call that reflective.
It's here http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cvYZW8AR-U8/SdFZdOZb1HI/AAAAAAAAAf8/onaeWu1B9_o/s400/blog3.jpg

Glennis said...

The source of my first reflective photo is revealed today!

www.doves2day.blogspot.com

theMuddledMarketPlace said...

at the end of our street, just here i caught a reflection...last spring i think.

Catherine said...

I'm a bit busy with NaPoWriMo this month, but I just had to post this photo which seemed to fit the theme perfectly

cactus petunia said...

That light is so fluid and warm. Lovely shot!

Here's mine:
http://buenosburritos.blogspot.com/2009/04/menden-ponds-reflections.html

Linda said...

Hi Carmi,

I know it's been a LONG time since I've participated, but I think I'm back in my groove again...here's my reflection:

http://fifenhorn.blogspot.com/2009/04/thematic-photographic-reflective.html

Reflections

Nana said...

Again, great theme! I looked for reflections in the water.

momemts in time said...

Hi Carmi

Some interesting pictures appearing on this..

I have now posted a set of reflective images made this afternoon but if you look at the other images on my blog you will find many others where a reflection is part of the image.

D.K.Fisher said...

Can't wait to see everyone's pictures this week. I like this weeks theme. I took both of these this week.

http://savingmemoriesbydkfisher.blogspot.com/2009/04/thematic-photographic-43-reflective.html#links

Daryl said...

here's another Reflective entry

http://onthem104.blogspot.com/2009/04/monochromethematic-reflectiveodd-shot.html

Anonymous said...

Okay, I have one up:
http://kcinnova.wordpress.com/2009/04/06/rainy-reflection/

dennisthemennis.co.uk said...

http://dennisthemennis.blogspot.com/2009/03/mirror-image.html

Mariz said...

Love the reflections...love train rides. Couldn't agree with you more when you said that at times "a photo can evoke a memory that resonates", that is exactly what motivates me to take photos however they turn out, as this is the only way I can somehow "freeze" time and encapsulate the moment.

My first entry to this fun meme is HERE - Mix Pix

Sweetanlo said...

That is an amazing picture! I haven't ridden on a train in awhile, but your picture and description make me want to! Here's mine,

Sweetanlo's Reflective

PastormacsAnn said...

Some pretty fantastic 'reflective' photos up this week. Nice theme.

Squeaking in at the last minute with mine. Knew I had this picture somewhere. Took me forever to find it. Glad that I did.

My Reflective Photo

Sweetly said...

Better late than never I guess. I liked these too much not to post them even though I'm so so late.

Gaze Sweetly - Reflective

Great picture Carmi!

PastormacsAnn said...

If you have a chance, could you please stop by Sweetanlo's Reflective Post

She has an amazing reflective photo posted and is afraid that no one will see it since she posted so late.

Thanks! (it really is a great photo and yes, I'm biased but it really is!)

Sweetly said...

Wow That's an amazing picture! Great for the theme this time! Thanks
-Sweetly