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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!).
I drove to the coast of Oregon without an itinerary, and although there were a few places I really wanted go visit, I wanted the freedom to explore. Besides, I wasn’t in a hurry, until…. read on. I drove to the ocean from Salem on all the back roads. I took my time and even took a side trip up a (creepy!) one lane mountainside road to check out a water fall but the it was running much too fast for my photographic liking. By the time I arrived at the coastline, it was pouring, and hard! It was also very windy; which makes driving the RV so much fun…. not! That said, I felt the day was done and I was done too, lol! The next morning I drove south, in and out of all the state dune parks along the 101. I was looking for one that had some photographic advantages, when I finally chose one with a jetty; it was from here that I captured this photograph. In the distance, the ocean sky was dark and threatening; I could see the rain coming (again!). Although it was overcast, I was very bright. It perfect for capturing the cresting white waves, I was thrilled! When it was time to look for somewhere to stay for the night, I stopped at the North Lake RV resort in Lakeside, only to discover they were closed for the season. The lovely owner Karen however was there, and when I explained I simply needed a place to park, she graciously welcomed my stay. Later in that evening Karen called me to say, “There’s a huge rain and wind storm coming, starting at 10 a.m., with winds up to 80 miles an hour; we’ll likely lose some trees”. She suggested that I leave the coastline by morning, while I could. Needless to say, I left before 8 a.m. and as I did, it was pouring buckets… again! With only two noteworthy images in hand (one to follow) I was disappointed… but at least I got two! :-) Happiness is in the accumulation of micro moments… and my “micro” visit to the Oregon coast was indeed memorable!
