The Dark Side of Me

In our house, we have a little plant that sits quietly by a window. On bright days, a fleeting beam of sunlight filters through the glass, illuminating its tender leaves for just a few precious minutes. The plant responds by opening its blossoms, one after another, as if it were a ritual. In these moments, I am reminded of Maya Angelou’s poignant words in “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”. Does our plant, too, long for freedom? Does it yearn to stretch toward the light, to break free from the confines of its pot? Of course, these thoughts are mere projections of my own feelings.

Lately, I have found myself immersed in the themes of low-key photography, chiaroscuro, minimalism, and emptiness. These ideas have surfaced repeatedly in my journey, compelling me to respond with a series of posts. One such response, titled “Contrast,” was inspired by Juliette Monsour, another became my first contribution to Aminus3 Essence of Photography. These pieces, along with several others shared across my platforms, reflects my exploration of these themes.

In my quest, I have delved deeper into the darker corners of my photographic archive. There, I have unearthed a trove of images that reveal my enduring fascination — perhaps even an obsession — with the interplay between darkness and the yearning for light.

As the beam of sunlight fades, my little plant retreats once more into the shadows and the room grows dim. In the quiet that follows, it is just the two of us — alone again in the darkness, each carrying our silent longings.

.:. © 2025 Ludwig Keck