Oct 22
Water, water everywhere
13 sec exposure
First I headed downstream, but I discovered very soon that it was a bad idea. The moss covered rocks were treacherous and the forest was thick, so it was not only difficult to get anywhere but also difficult to find a clean view of the creek. Grass is greener on the other side, so I went back, crossed the bridge and found out that the other side was only marginally easier. I was almost relieved to see the creek flow into a wetland area which forced me to turn back. Back on the bridge, I decided to go upstream on the left side (I had done right side last weekend) and again I found the going very tough indeed. Despite the rain gear, I was getting drenched but the camera was safe in the backpack so I headed on. When I had come far enough to see the opening to the lake where the creek starts, I decided to turn back. It was madness to have come this far - all the slippery rocks and the crevices between them, hidden by moss and leaves. The rotten tree branches that break when you grip them so you can’t trust anything for support. The water dripping down from the trees showering you with every touch. And only a fraction of the photo ops I had seen last weekend - too much water now!
When I got back to the car, the backpack was a big mess. I had to remove a couple of small slugs from my jacket sleeve and bits of spruce that had gotten under my collar. Water, mud, needles, branches… wet as I was, I was sure looking forward to soaking myself in a warm bath!
I’d love to get an opportunity to shoot pictures like you do. Nature photographer’s meanest villain is time - actually not the time itself but the lack of it. It’s not only the gear, not only the vision nor mission or skills, but the time itself. If you have plenty of time to shoot, you’ll have time to master your vision and style. I think you have produced some sort of a style, there’s an invisible watermark on your work. I hope that some day I’ll have a style of my own; hope that the people will spot a picture and say: “That must be his work”. I already spot Ronnie Gaubert’s pics from the mass and I admire him!
Thank you for your words! Style (or the lack of it) is one thing that has given me a lot of concern, and I was quite seriously trying to make up one last year. But the truth is, you can’t make it up. You just shoot the pictures like you want to have them, and gradually, the style follows. Yes it takes time - lots of it - but no one was born ready! I’m finally coming to terms with it so it’s good to hear that I’m actually starting to get somewhere.
Amazing that you should mention Ronnie Gaubert. I’m a big fan of his closeup work and that’s what inspired me to get the 300mm lens!