Can a picture as simple as three geese walking through a forest convey a mood that triggers an emotional response? Absolutely. I shot this trio moving through a forest just outside our cabin in one of the most remote sections of Laos. An early morning sun filters through the trees as the geese move toward the light from the shadows. The mood is one of hope and optimism. Even geese enjoy a good day, and from this shot, one gets the feeling they may be headed for one. A glow of light in the distance is usually associated with hope, and when that light spreads its golden threads upon the earth, the mood swings towards optimism. The atmosphere here is idyllic, charming, and serene. All of which establish emotional tone and convey meaning.

Two years after I posted this image, pbase photographer Jeremy made an expressive image of a woman sweeping a road in Burma. (You can see it by clicking on the thumbnail at the bottom. ) He says that it was inspired by this image of three geese walking through a forest. While his image is based on entirely different subject matter, it uses the principles of atmosphere and mood in the same way that my image does. He says he based his caption on my caption as well. In doing so, he demonstrates the validity of mood and atmosphere as expressive principles, and also shows us how to effectively make use of this cyberbook. He does not copy what he sees in it. Rather, he absorbs and remembers the principles it teaches, and puts them to work on his own behalf.