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It occurred to me the other day, that I am a "weather chaser" (lol... just like storm chasers but I chase the "weather"). More specifically, I chase after the unique weather because it adds drama (and/or a mood) to my photographs. The downside of weather chasing IS the weather (lol); the cold, rain, snow and wind (along with early mornings and late evenings). When I get a shot like this one however, I reap the rewards! As I approached my destination for the day (Picacho Peak State Park, between Phoenix and Tuscan), I noticed a huge storm building and filling the valley in front of me. The storm was a sight to see, complete with lightning, rain bursts, rainbows and the sun was mixed in there too. It was so spectacular; I wished I was in the thick of it! By the time I stopped at the state park, all that remained of the storm was the rain. My decision to stop here was a last minute (weather) decision so I arrived without campsite reservation. Fortunately however they just had a cancellation (Yay!). I was set (and hoped the "weather" to return). As I detached my Jeep from my RV it occurred to me that park wraps around Picacho Peak (to the west) and that maybe there would be some "weather" on that side. So, with that in mind, off I went. I parked at the Sunset Vista Trailhead and noted a beautiful sunset forming (something I couldn't see from my campsite). With my camera backpack and my tripod in hand I ventured onto the muddy trail. The clouds still lingered behind me as I hiked and then suddenly a beautiful rainbow suddenly appeared. I was so tempted to turn my attention but because time was of the essence, I stayed focused on this composition. I love this photo's composition (it's one of my favorite compositions). The lay of the land, the greenery, sun, highlights, darks and clouds all help lead your eye into, through and out the photo. I also like the warm tones (the setting sun created), the lush colors of the foliage and rocks (thanks to the rain), and the strong vertical lines of the saguaro trees (in contrast to everything else). Although it's been chilly, windy and raining I feel so blessed to be here with my camera on this winter day!
Here’s an interesting question. Does a photographer create a photograph, or is it the scene that presents itself? I think it’s a combination of both. What do you think? Granted, some scenes just happen to present themselves and are easy to photograph, while others require research, time, patience and praying for the right weather and light conditions. More often than not however, as I approach a beautiful scene, I find that trees and plants obstruct my prized composition, and that's when I have to dig into my creative self. Sometimes, I walk away empty handed. Although landmark photography is generally easy to shoot, it’s the more difficult and unique scenes that I’m drawn to. That stated, getting off the beaten path is always my choice destination and create the most amazing memories (and captures too!). It was late in the day when I stopped and followed a tributary to the Athabaska River; just east of Jasper, and within Jasper National Park. I hoped to capture some reflective and silhouetted river scenes but by the time I got to the river, storms were forming and started to circle the valley around me and after some hiking around, this riverscape developed! Yes, one could say this scene presented itself and had nothing to do with the photographer but skill, know how, an eye for composition and patience was required. I suppose resilience to rain is also required, because I got soaked to get this shot (but it was so worth it!).
In a previous fall photograph, I had made mentioned how difficult it was to find a fall woodland composition. Imagine then, my surprise when I happened upon this scene! “Wow”, I thought, “Thank you Mother Nature, you truly made this composition exceptional!" I absolutely love the vivid colors and how they are somewhat segregated (rather than in a mish-mash, as they usually are). Together, these elements create patterns and although there isn’t a particular subject, the red bushes in the middle certainly draw the viewer’s eye; ultimately the settling point. That said, I chose to crop out the sky because your eyes would have been drawn towards it (the brightness), and out of the photograph. This photo looks amazing on a wall. To view it on a wall, see the "SAMPLED Framed" section.
