White. It’s a simple color — or not even a color — that can evoke a lot of emotions, meanings and thoughts just by its appearance. It’s most usually associated with purity and fresh beginnings, and in the Western world it’s the color you’ll most often see the bride in at her wedding. But in medieval Europe, queens wore white when they were in mourning — and in China and some parts of Africa, they still do.

ISO 400 | 50mm | f4.0 | 1/50 sec.

Some might think that white is a daunting color that paralyzes us with fear…like when you’re staring at a white screen or piece of paper, trying to write a blog post, complete an assignment or just map out your meal plan for next week.

This guy got a bath as soon as I noticed how grungy he’d come with my zoom lens. :: ISO 800 | 50 mm | f4.0 | 1/15sec

But what if you could transform that fear or emptiness you associate with fear into an appreciation of the blank canvas you’re able to start with.  Because really, you’re being given a gift of not having to work around expectations, a set outline or a preconceived idea. You can just write from the heart or from your mind…

Think of that white page as a warm, fluffy white towel, which you can just wrap around yourself for comfort and enjoyment. It’s not a chore, it’s not a daunting task — it’s your friend and it will support you even if you don’t find the words to compose exactly what you want to say.

ISO 800 | 50mm | f4.0 | 1/40sec

White is said to aid mental clarity — so if you’re dealing with a lot of white spaces that see barren and empty, just remember that they are also there to help you clear your clouded mind and to establish a new point of focus. Because each new white space is a new opportunity for you to achieve something great.

See and read more You Capture interpretations of “white” on I Should Be Folding Laundry — and learn more about how you can join the challenge with your own photos.