Not only have I some incredible photos that I want to share, but, if it doesn't sound too far-fetched, I would also like to explore the concept of a relationship with orbs.
What are orbs?
I don't know. With every orb photograph I take, it's my sense of awe and wonder that expands, not my knowledge. True, I can now identify three different types of orbs, and know that some move more swiftly than others. But, when it comes to the nature of their being, their role in creation, for me they remain a powerful and intriguing mystery.
There is, however, one thing that I've learned during what I can only call our six-year relationship.
Let me explain.
Not long ago I was invited to a Beethoven concert at The Royal Albert Hall.
After a brilliant rendition of the Fifth Piano Concert, the pianist and orchestra left the stage. As we've already discovered, orbs are attracted by music and strong emotion. Surely, I thought, taking out my camera, there'll be plenty on display after such a moving performance?
I took three photos . . . not an orb in sight.This was hard to accept, I was disappointed and puzzled.
"Please . . ." I pleaded under my breath . . . and took a fourth photo.
When this amazing orb appeared on my camera I was stunned.
A muttered, "Thank you . . . " seemed the only appropriate response.
I'm not suggesting that the orbs literally heard my mumbled request (although maybe they did). The change was brought about by my shift in attitude.
This message was endorsed last week when a friend invited me to a concert at The Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula, the historic chapel at The Tower of London. It was years since I'd been to The Tower, I'd never been to the chapel.
"Don't forget your camera," said my friend, "there are bound to be throngs of orbs!"
Her certainty left me a little anxious . . . I just hoped that my camera was listening and that the orbs would collaborate!
The chapel was beautiful and historic, the concert truly memorable. Once it was over I took out my camera.
The singing had been so beautiful . . . surely no orb could resist?
Was it also possible that I was seeking for the orbs through the mind, whereas I needed to be searching through the heart?
Whatever the reason, to my shocked surprise, the first few photos produced absolutely nothing.
Recalling my recent experience at The Albert Hall, I belatedly muttered, "Please . . . ".
Then, once again, pressed the shutter.
In the resultant photo you can see a cluster of shadowy orbs circling above the heads of the departing concertgoers.
I was grateful . . . but, I must admit it, a little disappointed.
I had expected more of the orbs at The Tower of London
The concert over, we left the chapel and made our way slowly across the courtyard. Faced with such a magnificent, iconic view, I reached once more for my camera.
I wasn't thinking of orbs, I was thinking of Tower Bridge in the moonlight, so I was totally unprepared for the shock that the orbs had prepared for me.
The sky was alive with them!
(Unfortunately, this reproduction doesn't do the photo justice. In the print I've had made you can count well over twenty orbs - many of them way in the distance over the river.)
But the final surprise was still to come, and it came when I returned home. I'd never thought to check the photo I'd taken on arrival at The Tower. Only when downloaded onto the computer did I discover that the earlier photo revealed a welcoming committee of orbs gathered to greet us!
Let's enjoy this amazing sight . . . brilliant orbs, spinning in the night sky, outshining the distant lights over The Thames.
We don't need to ask why, or how . . . we do need to be grateful.
So, under what conditions have I found that orbs reveal themselves in a photograph?
It would seem that orbs cannot be summoned to order (you can't bully an orb!), but they do respond to a polite request. And, whilst they are clearly attracted by music and powerful human emotions, they retain an infinite capacity to surprise.
Perhaps, in our relationship with the infinite wonders and mysteries of creation, we ought to say, "Please . . . " and "Thank you . . . " more often!
