I can’t say why this yard appeals to me—at least photographically. We journey there for our fourth visit; the other three, in order by sequential date: “Light the Way“, “Night Garden“, and “Oriental Garden“.
The Featured Image comes from Leica Q2, on this sullen Saturday. Vitals, aperture manually set: f/1.7, ISO 1600, 1/15 sec, 28mm; 8:43 p.m. PDT. I close-cropped and pushed blacks and highlights to create darkened mood.
Regarding mood: Dark was the day, as war abruptly erupted in the Middle East. From Gaza, Hamas attacked Israel—by land, sea, and air. In footage, paratroopers coming down on streets amidst civilians evoked films Red Dawn and Tomorrow, Before the War Began.
The invaders grabbed Israelis—citizens not soldiers—and hauled them back to Gaza, where they were paraded and humiliated. I worry worse is planned for the many abducted women, of all ages.
A Jack-O-Lantern may not be the most obvious illustration for the topic. How many times today did terrorists have such grisly, gloating grin on their faces as they frightened and tortured hostages. If you regret reading that sentence, I regret writing it. My feelings about Jack-O-Lanterns suddenly are changed.
Update: The terrorists parade the naked bodies of dead women before jeering crowds. Horrific.