Perceptions of ourselves are complicated. How much of what we see in the mirror does our mind fabricate? What do you see when you look in the mirror? A hero, a secretary, a “good person”, a sinner, a father, a lover, someone tall, or overweight, forgotten, scared, or sexy,....? I think the idea of who we are distracts from our true nature. I doubt the Heron is thinking about how handsome he looks in the picture. Maybe he’s thinking about being very still to lure a meal. Living in the present is difficult for us as human beings. Our reflections can become windows to the past, that weigh us down with regrets, or encourage us with fond memories. Or they can be pathways to the future, imagining how attractive and enticing we will become. Foolish is the man who looks in a mirror expecting to see his true self. Narcissus’s lesson is as true today as it ever was. Turn away from the figment staring back at you, for that is but a murky reflection. We are much more than the conjuring from a piece of glass.
Nikon D4 Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 with 1.4 tele @ 280mm f/5.6 ISO 900 1/1000 sec