Random photos posting

This barn is located up just west of Devils Lake, ND on the way to where we spend much time in the summer. The photo is indicative of the falling away of barns across the country. In an area once dotted with the red icons, they too are meeting their demise. Being replaced with newer modern metal buildings, there is something to appreciate in the wood structure and the community that once came together to help raise them.

Me again....and again....and again...

On the day that I shot this image, I recall thinking about repetition and perspective. Over the years, I think repetition has gotten a bad rap. Don't get me wrong, I think repetition is often confused with boredom and monotony, but there is something very comforting about repetition and how integral it is in our lives.

Repetition garners a sense of safety and security in our day-to-day lives. Your daily routine, some are more dependent on that others. The structure keeps some moving while seems to stifle others. I think I fall somewhere in between. There are certain things, certain aspects of life that are a given, certain people, certain actions and you can rely on, set your clock to. I have a friend, that no matter what is going on, always has a great attitude on life. When you ask, as we so often do; "how are you?" you are met by an enthusiastic "FABULOUS" or "SPECTACULAR" and I know that is always good for making me smile. The question is repetitive, and the answer isn't always exactly the same, but the tone is. In that same way, my father-in-law always makes me smile. At any point in the day, when you see or talk to him, you are met with a "Good afternoon." At 5 am, at 11am, at 9pm, always afternoon and always good. Now, it just wouldn't be Mark if he said anything else.

So, what does this repetition do for us. Comfort for one, and as I alluded to earlier, and I believe, perspective. Without the repetition of daily life, would we know when something "special" happens, or would it hold itself to be less remarkable? Also, perspective in clarity of thought. Have you ever been on a treadmill, walking, or in the shower and all of a sudden had the answer to something you had long been pondering? The repetition, the movement, the routine, gets us out of our head, distracts our mind so that we can approach something differently or to let us remember. It keeps us from thinking too hard.

And while there are certain repetitions that we can do without, as a photographer, the proliferation of telephone poles would be one, telemarketers, election mudslinging and taxes to name a few, you can't discount it altogether.

Marketers capitalize on this, for brand recognition, to keep their product in the top of your mind, creating repetition in their visual and audio style. When we turn on the TV and see a commercial; white background, two men standing there, do we need for Justin Long to tell us he is a "Mac"? No, we know, we understand and that repetition of "Hello, I'm a Mac" in a split second, we know what that commercial is going to be about, and for some us mac-addicts, starts the drool a flowing. At least you know the commercial will be entertaining.

Just as the image of the fence leading off into the distance, shows us perspective, gives us a horizon line, find time in your day to embrace the repetition in your life. That morning cup of coffee you couldn't live without, the song that never fails to put you in a good mood, or that loving embrace of a child after a long day apart.