Life doesn't stop during chemo


it does change though

 

In many ways. our lives have gotten smaller while Erica undergoes chemo. Work from home; avoiding crowds; no big travel plans.

But there's more to the story.


Seven weeks in, here's what taking photos daily has taught us so far.

Photographer silhouetted against golden sunset by a lake, holding a camera with telephoto lens outdoors.
Photographer lying on grass in golden hour light, capturing close-up shots with a DSLR camera and large lens.
Close-up of lush green grass blades in sharp focus with a blurred blue and green bokeh background outdoors.

There's a HIDDEN WORLD underfoot

What could you possibly see on a short walk around the neighborhood? Or even a trip to the front yard?



A lot, it turns out.

We knew walks were going to be a key part of chemo. Keep moving, touch grass, etc. etc.


We feared those short strolls could become repetitive, though. You can only walk around the block so many times before all the homes blur together.


But this photography project has forced us to slow down.


What's blooming today?


Does that flower have ... tentacles?


Is that a bee? Omg, that's a bee!

Bumble bee collecting nectar from a white clover flower surrounded by green foliage.
Close-up of a white daisy-like fleabane flower with yellow center and purple-tipped buds on green stems.
Close-up of a vibrant yellow-orange succulent plant with pointed tips, surrounded by purple flowers in soft bokeh background.
Close-up macro photography of a blooming pink chrysanthemum flower with layered petals and dark center.
Macro close-up of a vivid magenta flower's curling white pistil and stamens against bright pink petals.
Close-up of delicate purple thyme flowers in bloom with soft bokeh background.
Close-up macro photo of a white clover flower in bloom against a soft green background.
Close-up macro photo of a white dandelion seed head in full bloom against a soft green background.
Close-up macro photo of fresh green broccoli florets showing tightly clustered buds in vivid detail.
Close-up of vibrant green tropical leaf showing detailed curved ridges and natural texture patterns in lush foliage.
Close-up of a blue and white flower with delicate veined petals and a fuzzy center against a green background.
Silhouette of a person wearing glasses and a cap against a warm golden sunset sky.

 

Sunsets in a new light

 

What do you do for fun when everything's an effort and indoor activities are too big a risk?


Chase the sun, when you can.

 

 

One thing you quickly learn when photographing sunsets:


A cloudless sunset is a soulless sunset.


A perfectly round glowing orb sinking in a perfectly blue sky — come on. Frankly, that's a little boring. But when clouds are aloft, the moments after sunset are filled with chaotic refractions and colors.


Just another reminder that perfection is overrated. There's beauty hidden in the shadows and the storm clouds.

 

Silhouette of industrial rooftop vents against a vibrant orange and blue sunset sky.
Dramatic sunset sky with vivid orange and golden clouds against deep blue twilight backdrop.
Dramatic sunset sky with deep blue clouds illuminated by vivid orange and golden light at dusk.

Sometimes you need a different lens

 

This project brought our first experiments with macro photography — a whole genre built on lenses that focus incredibly close.


We did not start the project with a macro lens. We started with our trusty do-it-all lens — The same one we used to do street photography in Paris and coastal landscapes in Ireland.

Through that lens, it soon became clear that Hanover is neither of those places.


But using the macro lens changed everything. It told us: Focus closer, linger longer.


The camera didn't change. We didn't change. But our perspective sure did.

Close-up macro shot of water droplets on a vibrant pink flower petal against a dark background.
Close-up macro photo of vibrant pink and purple chrysanthemum flower stamens with rich color detail.

No faking it

There's no hiding the truth from a macro lens. That became clear when we photographed this flower in a bouquet.


When we looked at the photos, something was off. The colors formed a splotchy, unsettling, uneven, unnatural abyss of tentacles.


If you know flowers, you know where this is going — it was dyed.



Still beautiful from a distance, but the truth up close is messy.

Close-up macro photo of pink and white chrysanthemum petals with vibrant magenta speckles and streaks.
Woman smiling while shaving another persons head with electric clippers in a black and white photo.
Close-up monochrome macro photo of a dandelion seed head with delicate wispy seeds against a dark background.

Life ECHOES nature


As Erica's hair started falling out, we noticed the dandelions were also slowly balding. It was nice to have company.

Close-up macro photo of a vibrant yellow chrysanthemum flower with layered petals radiating from the center.

That's all for now


but this is not the end of our story

Close-up macro photo of vibrant green leaf veins and texture, showcasing intricate natural patterns in lush foliage.
White daisies in an orange ceramic vase against a clear blue sky.

Stay tuned & spread the word

The photos will keep coming, so will the half-baked musings about life.


When Erica finishes treatment, we will plan an event to celebrate, raise money for breast cancer causes, and make our artwork available for purchase.


If you want to get involved now, the best thing you can do is share this blog post with anyone who you think may enjoy it!