Character Study

When I am out photographing I usually have a subject matter in mind, and often it depends on my connection to the area.  If I am in a familiar area my focus is concentrated to one or two things of interest.  The times that I am traveling out of the area in search of new locations I am open to all possible subject matter that may exist.  On a recent trip to the state of Washington I was traveling through an area and noticed an old abandoned Bookmobile bus parked off in a field.  I was intrigued with the multiple layers of faded paint and rust that this old bus had.  I pulled off to the side of the road and thought about what elements of the bus caught my attention.  Desiring to photograph this subject I decided to locate the property owner and ask for permission to walk around the bus and photograph it.   I have found over the years, that when asked, most people are friendly and have no problem with my request.  I saw some movement in a large building out behind a house and with my camera in hand I walked up the gravel drive.  I never know who's world I am walking into as a stranger, but I greet them with a friendly hello and introduce myself.  Over the years I have come across some very friendly and interesting folk.  This gentleman is a diesel mechanic and has a large garage where he repairs trucks for the logging industry in the area.  In our discussion I was able to ask some questions about the area, and I learned about a few new photography locations I was unaware of.  I enjoy getting to know something about the people in the area and their history.  This gentleman's family were some of the original pioneers to move into this part of the state, and he still owns all the land that his family acquired many years before.  After talking for quite awhile I knew taking his portrait in his work place would make a great photograph.  It is always rewarding to be able to meet people and photograph them as I travel around.  In many ways these images of people are my most rewarding work.

Summer hiking

I have been doing a considerable amount of hiking and photography this summer.  It is always fun to get the chance to explore new locations and travel some back roads.  The challenge with summer hiking is dealing with the intense heat and the bugs.  It seems no matter how well I apply bug repellent I usually come away with several severe spider bites.  I made this image while in N.C. during above average heat spell.  It was refreshing to find a small waterfall to rest and cool off.  My choice of camera gear always comes into question when deciding the terrain and distance of my hike.  No matter how I sort out my equipment there is always an item I didn't need to carry along or one I left behind.  Digital camera gear has simplified the process by not having to carry large film holders into the field, but has it own problems with the need of electric to keep batteries charged up.  In this image I used a Sony A7R11 with a 16~35 mm lens.  So far this has been a good camera for hiking as long as I carry enough batteries to keep the camera operational. 

Northwest Coastline

When dreams become reality a sense of fulfillment is achieved.  We often spend countless hours lost in our dreams planning our future.  I have found that it sometimes takes years to fulfill a dream.  My initial thought begins with a desire that soon turns into a purpose.  As a landscape photographer I am always seeking out new locations to explore and photograph.  It may take me years before I actually get to travel to some of these locations, but never the less, I still put it on my active wish list of things to accomplish.  Many times when arriving at these locations after months or even years of research, the weather doesn't co-operate for making good photographs.  Such was the case this year while spending two weeks in Iceland.  It rained hard all but one day of the trip, but I still was able to make a few meaningful photographs.  Two weeks later I traveled to the Northwest U.S. only to have mostly clear skies each day of the two weeks spent there.  Sometimes the reality of the situation doesn't match up to the dream or plans made.  During these times I realize it will take much more work and patience to achieve my goal.  I made this image after hiking out to the beach in the state of Washington.  I spent several hours on the beach under clear skies and was thinking possibly of giving up on the location for the day.  I could see a few clouds forming far out over the ocean so I decided to sit and wait a while longer.  I was rewarded for my time as a storm came in providing an interesting sky.  I was able to make a couple of setups before the rain hit and forced me back to my vehicle.  Certainly a lot of effort was put into getting this image but the reward is being able to fulfill a dream established years earlier. 

Old Grist Mill

We have been traveling in our little camper this summer doing some hiking and photography.  We spent some time in West Virginia and visited the old grist mill that is still operational in Babcock State Park.  This is a familiar site for photographers and vacationers.  I exposed this image in the early morning on a damp cloudy day.  I always prefer cloudy days to photograph so I don't have to deal with the sunlight and the harsh shadows it can create.  I made this image using my Sony A7R11 camera with a Canon 24~105 lens.  

Quiet Places

I have a love of quiet places.  The solitude and stillness is refreshing from the constant noise of our world.  In my lifetime the world has become much more contaminated with noise.  It surrounds us and it is barely escapable anymore.  Quiet places give us time to reflect and think.  Noise can be used as a form of diversion keeping us insulated from things we would rather not deal with.  It is common today to be at restaurant surrounded by loud music while trying to converse and enjoy a meal.  I notice the young people have adapted to this environment and shout above the noise as they eat.  I feel saddened that their world is one of constant noise and the distraction it can cause, denying us enjoyment of the quiet beauty in nature.

Old School House

Last week I was in the state of Washington making some new images and came across this old school house.  It was located in the central part of the state that is mostly rural farm land with only a few small towns in the area.  I always enjoy traveling the back roads and exploring new locations.  I was fortunate to see the broken top of the bell tower from the road I was traveling on.  I immediately turned around and found a dirt road to take me to there.  This particular day had on and off rain showers providing a dramatic sky.  When I am out on these photography trips I have many days where the subject may be great but the lighting is wrong.  This day provided the opportunity to combine a good subject with a wonderful stormy sky. 

The test of time

We recently made a camping trip to the states of Washington and Oregon.  The scenery is spectacular in this region of the country.  We were able to travel to the coast and the inland area of each state.  Along the ocean I am always captivated with the sea stacks that line the coast.  These rocks exist in an environment where they are constantly being battered by the elements of wind and water.  They weather the storms and stand the test of time.  We as humans also struggle in our environments, battling the elements that beat upon our soul and spirit.  There are times in life where we are faced with tremendous challenges that need to be overcome so we to can stand the test of time.