Candles
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I really hate overhead or harsh lights indoors during the winter. I am really sensitive to light and how it affects my mood, so I much prefer soft light and I often keep my apartment pretty dark, except for a small lamp or two around the house. And I light a ton of candles because I find that it helps me with the inevitable winter blahs that strike at this time of year. (also helpful: being able to spend 18 days in California very soon)
This year, I’ve been trying to use beeswax candles as much as possible. They are a bit more expensive than the white pillar candles I usually use, but they burn brighter, cleaner and longer so it’s worth it. For some reason, I’ve been snapping photos of my candles burning at different stages this winter – almost documenting the process from lighting a fresh candle to the very end.
I snapped the top photo the other night after dinner at home. And the bottom photo is a plate of beeswax candles after they had all expired. I love the weird blobs and patterns made by beeswax candles as they burn.
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the blue hour 
Beautiful candle light with a sun in the background ;-) The potted green plant on the right might be nice for a still life with its rolled leaves.
I feel the same about candlelight in winter! Your photos are great! :)
I’ve the same “problem” with artificial light… my moods depend on it a lot. If the light is too much or to yellow I feel very depressed, like claustrophobic. But when you share the house with more people and can’t say anything about it, then… it really sucks.
I like your way of lighting your apppartment, and those candles are simply beautiful!
You have inspired me to look at weird candle blobs in a new way! I have a secret obsession with playing with a burning candle’s wax and not leaving a candle alone to just burn the way it wants. Don’t forget you can remelt the beeswax for another candle.
Brian, do you have a brand you like? I am dealing with the same thing, but also my eyes grow easily tired with the artificial light and start to painfully burn. Candles seem like a nice way to go about fixing it.
I don’t have a specific brand to recommend, unfortunately. I found well-priced and simple beeswax candles in VT earlier this month. Brook Farm General Store in Brooklyn has them, too – but they are not cheap. For regular/white pillars, you can find them at Crate & Barrel & etc.
On Tue, Jan 29, 2013 at 1:13 PM, the blue hour
I really value the night without too much light; it welcomes one to sound sleep too!
How interesting that the painting in the top photo and the blobs in the bottom one have the similar shape, pattern.
I love the vintage radio in the first image :)
it’s not vintage! but it is great. info here: http://www.tivoliaudio.com/
Interesting stuff :)
I read this next to a burning candle, nice. I agree about beeswax, and it seems to neutralize stale smells. I prefer this sort of counterbalancing act to the aggression of perfumed candles. I’ve also made up my mind to always have lemons on hand. They go well with so many dishes, and good to leave out after a session of pungent cooking.
Adore the overhead photo of the melted candles. Your blog is beautiful.
P.S. Like you, I abhor overhead, harsh light (with the exception of sunshine). Now I want to go out and buy scores of candles.
you just encourage me to light up!