Here is a photo that is a little more than meets the eye. It is another High Dynamic Range (HDR) photo I composited from seven clicks of the shutter. Each click gives me information, and when I composite those seven shots I can do a whole lot of art with it. I can pick realistic, surreal, structured, B&W you name it. There is no "right" answer, it is just how I see it. Over time I am also blessed because I can come back to the shoot with new lessons learned, and make a photo which takes those seven layers into a new and different direction.

Today is St. Valentines Day and he is the patron saint of marriage and love. It will sound geeky, but marriage and love require HDR. Our english language does not serve us well when we talk of love. The church fathers knew there were four dynamics: Agape (Divine Love), Philia (Friendship), Storge (Affection) and Eros (Emotional). Today our society outwardly values eros, and seemingly on purpose denies the others even exist. This is of course a recipe for failure in families and human commitment. We all know that emotional love fades, that when the hormones fade and age sets in...the pull of another set of hormones or selfishness will tear the relationship asunder. The self giving love flowing from Agape is the most important to emulate as it feeds everything else, yet to speak the name of the Lord in relation to being the example of human love will only get you scorn on the major networks and advertisements.

My love just read me a story about a couple married 65 years who said the secret they held was they grew up in a time when you did not throw a damaged item away...you fixed it.

That story says it all. Just as I may find a new direction with my HDR next year, and could create a new version of this image...so must we adapt in our marriages finding the right mix of agape, philia, storge and eros as we advance through our lives. What was right for us as newlyweds, is not what will sustain us on our 16th anniversary this year or our 50th...I can foresee we have many a layer to examine and thrive with in the coming years.

I see the same example in the longevity of marriages by my parents, my in-laws and grandparents. I pray St. Valentine and you will join me in asking the Lord for the wisdom to help us all down here to do the same.

-ehw

P.S. Fujifilm X-E1 with the fabulous 60mm Macro