on 3191

I know I promised at some point that I would talk a little bit about 3191. I'm reluctant to talk about it because I love how quiet it is over there. I love that I don't have to say anything. I think mav feels the same way. The entire project came together in an entirely visual way. One day back in December, mav sent me a photo I had taken paired with one she had taken the same day (see them here). She asked if I was interested in creating a blog of morning diptychs. I said yes. We never ever discussed the subject matter or style of photos. It was important to us that the project feel really organic and natural and unforced. I feel as though we've succeeded.

Am I really a morning person? Not in the sense that I awaken chipper and bubbly, no, but in the sense that if I sleep in I feel as though something has been stolen from me, yes. My ideal morning is just me and my coffee and a window. My actual morning involves helping two children to be dressed and fed, lunches made, hair combed, teeth brushed, conflicts resolved,  homework found, and at two different schools on time. When I return after this frenzy it's finally just me and my coffee and my window. This is usually when I take my photos (it's also when the sun is high enough for there to be any natural light). Often, at some point earlier in the morning I've noticed something that I'd like to capture. I try to never spend more than a few minutes taking a photo. I do take advantage of spots in my house that have decent morning light. Today was so very gray that I decided to go outside.

I email my photo to mav who pairs it with the one she took earlier and posts them on 3191. It's thrilling every day to see them appear together. It always feels like magic. I immediately look for the connections between the two as well as the contrasts. I love to come back later in the day and read the comments and see it through all of your eyes.

Thank you to everyone who visits. So many of you have asked if we will be creating a book. We think that's a very cool idea, but we're also really happy with 3191 just as it is. We hope you are too.

Comments

[Alicia A.]

Stephanie- I love the quiet over there as well. I really enjoy viewing the combo every day, and I thank you both for the peaceful moment it brings to my day.

[amy j]

thank you for this look into 3191. i have really enjoyed visiting it. and i think the idea is great. as for this photo, i love the thread. it is quite a yummy color.

[tracy]

yes indeed

[AnaB]

I also love the quiet over there. And I love this "behind the scenes" look. Always wondered if you guys were coordinating the shots... so now the question is... does mav wait for yout image to take hers? Or are you guys really that in synch? Lovely, either way. Inspirational in so many ways. I don't blog, and I am thinking if I did, it would be that way. Just a photo, maybe a sentence or two like Claire Kramer. You guys even got me commenting on blogs, which I never used to do. Thanks for the visual candy!
(Feeling lost today, as in mid afternoon I haven't seen a 3191 post today!)

[Kelli]

I am truly enjoying it, and I agree -- most of your photos seem serendipitously paired!

[stephanie]

thanks all!

anab, mav and i take our images completely independently of each other. her morning starts before mine, so she takes hers first, i send mine later and they pop up together right away!

[sarah]

i love that you talk about the quiet of 3191, i think that's one of the many things i like best about it too...

[Jane]

I think it's all just lovely and calm and thoughtful. Your photos are beautiful and I love looking to 'compare and contrast'.

[Dana]

Like so many other people, I can't get through the day without 3191. I need that breath of calm, of beauty, of reflection and simplicity to remind me of everything good in the world. Thank you, both you and mav, for sharing little bits of your world with us. As a society, we are aching for something real to hold on to, and 3191 gives that to us.

[Chara Michele]

Thanks to both you & mav for making 3191 and putting together such great pictures. It has really made me want to take more time to take pictures and look around at the world surrounding me.

[Elise Blaha]

i am so inspired by your photography on 3191. it's amazing...i would definitely buy your book.

have a great day and thank you.

[laurie]

I always drop by- sometimes early, sometimes late. Sometimes I wish I could have some of the leftovers! And always, always, I stop and look around myself with a more discriminating eye. Thanks.

[jen]

i agree with the quiet. visual inspiration is best when it is left open to interpretation. mornings are my favorite time and my favorite time to take pictures and sit and drink coffee {when i can}. this is an amazing collaboration!

[Blair]

trust me...it feels like magic to us too!

[bugheart]

i adore it.
i have to say
it's my top
3 favorite
blogs...
funny...
i feel quiet
about it too...
i don't feel like
commenting often
(although
this isn't meant
in a negative way)
i just really
enjoy
basking in
your mornings.
thank you.

[Jackie]

I love visiting 3191 and look forward to it each day. I love the simplicity and the quietness of it. Thank you!

[andrea]

I love the wordlessness of photography. I often dream of starting a photoblog-- I love the idea of posting images only, no words. loving your new venture with mav. 3191 is marvelous.

[Sherry]

I love your picture blog with Mav, I love your blog, too. I really like your new topper with the branch and pinecone you made. Soooo cute!! Its amazing how similar your photos are!!!

[Maritza]

It is such a special site - you really can feel the magic. I love what you guys are doing. It's so organic and just flows. It is beautiful.

[Luckybeans]

3191 has become a treasure in my life. Because of the time difference, I actually make myself wait so I can check it the next day in the morning. I keep the images open on my computer screen as I have my cup of tea and my own morning unfolds.

I love that there are no words or explanations. I love looking for connections, observing how colour, texture, form, shadow and light complement each other. It is magic. And pure, simple beauty.

Really, I can never thank the two of you enough for this.

Much love,
Katurah

[g.]

I just talk about 3191 on my blog. It's a great one !
But I think the idea of a book is quite well too...
g.

[Jody]

I have been visiting 3191 with my 10 yr old son since it started (he just happened to be with me the first time I opened the page). It is now something we do each night and I love to watch his reaction to each new set of photos.

We are both totally engaged by the simplicity of these photos and the sense of calm we feel when viewing them. Pretty cool for a 10 year old to be moved by your wonderful images.

Thanks guys.

[jude]

I love it - it's become part of my ritual. i spend a lot of time looking around my house at the way the light falls thinking how good different bits would be in 3191. Food for thought...

[caroline]

Its amazing, like you guys!

[Fiona]

wonderful to read about how it came together. i'm really loving your collaboration... it's my been my first stop of the day since you started.