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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!).
With my camera in hand, and Arlo (my 9 month old Australian Doodle) by my side, I set out by foot on a photoshoot in the desert plains of Death Valley. It wasn’t a particularly nice day but I viewed it as an opportunity to challenge myself by taking and using “just” my super wide angle lens. With an enthusiastic attitude, I searched the dry desert landscape for an interesting ground level compositions. I had visions of a gnarly mesquite lying on the ground (as in this image) which would work well with my wide angle lens. To capture this image however, I had to lie down on my stomach, then squiggle around the ground until I found a composition I liked, and then hold my camera steady; mere inches away from the branches. It wasn’t the most comfortable position to be in but I was determined to get that shot I envisioned. Making things more difficult however was that Arlo thought I was lying on the ground to play with him; excitedly licking and jumping all over me. Oh boy, I’m sure that was quite the sight to see, lol! I love both the composition and perspective in this photo, along with the way your eyes are led through the Mesquite tree and the way the sky points to the gnarly tree.
I arrived at the “Ancient Forest National Park” (in the interior of British Columbia) before sunrise, hoping for fog. The little bit that was there however quickly dissipated but I did manage to capture capture a couple moody shots. The calmness in the forest was very indicative of what I felt; all alone, at peace and at awe with nature. As I meandered along the man-made boardwalks through the forest, I could feel myself depart from the world outside, in both in time in space. I certainly was in my element and for a moment, I was a child again, without a care it the world. It’s there, in those “all alone” moment in nature, that I recognize just how much I value my lifestyle, while recognizing (respectfully) that it isn’t (or can’t be) for everyone. That said, I hope you can get lost in my photos too :-) What I like about this photo is it’s perspective, which was hard to find in the darkness of this ancient forest. I did however stumble across this scene where the light coming in from the background, combined with the darkness in the foreground, gave this photo depth. Without depth, this photo would have been flat. You’ll also notice that I used a shallow depth of field, which I chose to help draw your eye to the large tree on the right.
