In the basement are boxes of photographs from when my children were small. Compared to the well lit, digitized, photoshopped images my grown kids take, they are embarrassing. It is astounding how infrequently I managed to focus, avoid shadows and keep my finger from blocking the lens. It was a happy childhood as I recall, but the evidence is sketchy. Added to the sense of disappointment is the fact that I shelled out good money for these. Double prints was something I sprung for, so there were twice as many blurry copies of the backs of their heads.

 

The movies and shows I watch lately have no such issues. The images are crisp, lighting is brilliant, and there are no obstructions in the frame.  

 

Except when there are. 

 

If there are two actors in the scene, my attention is lobbed from one to the other using a shift in focus. The camera man knows this and uses it to advantage.

 

"Look here. Now look here."

 

Sometimes the character is partially in shade, instilling a sense of danger, or mystery. I suspect this is not because the studio is trying to save money on floodlights. Other times the action wobbles, as if no one could remember where the tripod was. It jacks up the tension, sweetening the eventual resolution. 

 

There are even moments when the scene is partly or completely blocked by a wall, or window frame, or the back of a chair. Maybe it's negligence on the part of the cinematographer, but I have a hunch that it is intentional.

 

If the story is riveting, and my view is compromised even for a second, I am pulled in. Having lost my front row seat just for an instant, I crave it all the more. 

 

There is a similar strategy threading through my off screen life. The daughter on the phone has my full attention. Then her brother calls and my focus swivels toward him. 

 

On occasion my perspective about someone I care about is dark. We haven't spoken in awhile, or seen each other. Which makes me more invested in finding out why. Or our interactions are rocky, making me hungry for stability. 

 

There are times when what I have my eyes locked on gets blocked. I may believe I am headed toward a goal, but then these pesky distractions get in the way. 

 

I wonder if God does that on purpose too?