Dust to Dust, a photo from California, West

Photographer's Note

We are aware of the tragedy that has occurred in Asia which will surely continue to cause great suffering for people of the region. We extend our sympathy even as we recover from the shock of this dramatic natural disaster.

I took this photo a couple of weeks ago in a cemetary in San Rafael, California. These small structures contain the remains for people who long ago died. None of the men or women beneath headstones were known to me, though some carried names I know as street names or place names. These were people whose families helped to build the City of San Francisco. As I walked through the cemetary, I was reminded of the Lalitavistara Sutra, in which the Buddha says:

"The universe and its inhabitants are as ephemeral as the clouds in the sky;

Being born and dying are like a spectacular dance or drama show.

The duration of our lives is like a flash of lightning or a firefly's brief twinkle;

Everything passes like the flowing waters of a steep waterfall."

This is the world in which we live, each of us taking the journey from "dust to dust." If we are fortunate we will discover compassion, humility and gratitude along the way. And, hopefully, we will practice loving kindness to the best of our ability. This surely includes grieving for those whose lives have come to an end before our own.

May all beings be happy! May all beings be peaceful!

jhm, carper, Rinie_Hoff, wilkinsonsg, snuggleaphagus, NorthAngel, touristdidi, indoscoubi, numahr, mayumi, pamastro, JDRRocha, LCannon, papou, Duglat, Jafer, phototakeouter oznaczył to zdjęcie jeko użyteczne

Critiques | Translate

naxius (16685) 2004-12-27 5:23

Hi Curtis; I like your composition.
Good light and contrasted colors.
The repetitive patterns of stones is well rendered.
Alexandre

jhm (211734) 2004-12-27 12:54

We sympathise all with these large nature calamity, Curtus, your photograph is however, very well to fit to the calamity.
Thanks for posting and the effort for this.
Good job!

carper (96) 2004-12-27 12:56

Hello Curtis, I dont know why the people not see that this photo a very good one is, the lines of the treadle are very nice, the colours are good, the dof and the depth are nice too, I like it very good job

Rinie_Hoff (9340) 2004-12-27 16:30 [Comment]

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wilkinsonsg (8662) 2004-12-28 13:52

Fine sentiments (in the note)reflected by the choice of image which is bleak, cold and repetitive but then has light on the tree and background.

touristdidi (8583) 2004-12-29 7:15 [Comment]

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pamastro (7296) 2004-12-29 23:17

You produced a very thoughtful note to accompany this image and taking into account recent events. The photo was well taken to capture a good mix of death and life. We have the tombs acting like steps going up and up culminating with the tree at the end with its old symbolism of life. This depth of field works great here, too. The crosses starting farther up also creates a good visual interest that eventually culminates with the tree. Very beautifully and eloquently done, Curtis.

cloverstar (0) 2004-12-30 10:51

My thoughts go out to all those people who have been affected by the tsunami that has caused so much devastation across South East Asia.
This is a fine tribute to Tsunami Memorial

JDRRocha (14) 2005-01-07 19:00

Good work Curtis... I like the ideas presented here. In particular how the tombs lead up to the tree and then the sharp contrast of light in the background... in a sense conveying the rebirth in the afterlife. Love the photo note as well.

dejansuc (148) 2005-01-21 8:48

Good light and colors.
Excelent contrast on gray cold tombs.
Vivid green leaves gives the impression of hope.

Try to make the border thinner.

phototakeouter (10) 2005-02-25 20:12

Very interesting composition, the tombs in the foreground look like steps leading up to the one under the tree. The contrasty light really brings out the texture of the stone too.

alicesprings (0) 2005-02-27 17:00

Good Clarity, Good Notes, but not sure what im supposed to be focused on??

yulie351 (162) 2005-03-03 6:18

Trčs belle composition ! J'aime beaucoup la lumičre de cette photo. Bravo !

Photo Information

Copyright: Curtis Grindahl (cgrindahl) (6113)
Genre: Miejsca
Medium: Kolorowe
Date Taken: 2004-12-10
Categories: Życie codzienne
Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel, Canon 70-200 f/4L, SanDisk Ultra II, B+W 67mm UV-Haze MRC
Naświetlenie: f/8, 1/80 sekund
Wersja zdjęcia: Oryginalna wersja
Temat(y): Tsunami Memorial [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2004-12-27 5:20
Ulubione: 1 [Widok]