"Feeling and photographing what causes feeling is no assurance that others will feel. But after once discovering what one wants to arouse in other people, the knowledge that one may frequently fumble in trying is only a challenge." ---- Minor White
Mounts Sheridan & Roosevelt
Jed Johnson Lake
I have been spending a fair amount of time lately exploring and photographing in the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge. The Refuge is for animals but I have been going there to retreat, relax and recharge for many years.
I believed I knew all about making a good landscape picture. Now, I again realize that I need constant practice and refocusing. For good and not so good reasons as well as some legitimate and some spurious causes I was out of touch with my photography. But, slowly the concentration and patience to work in a way that for me leads to good photographs is returning. I have stopped trying to see or do too much. Go to every place that I liked or where I knew there might be photo opportunities. I got the old, heavy tripod out and lug it around so that when I go to a place I take time to explore it visually and thoughtfully. I watch the animals and the way they interact with each other and their environment. I watch the Light, and I pay attention to what it is that is interesting and attracting me. I strive to be open to the questions that each moment and location poses and the multitude of answers that each image provides. I am reconnecting with photoself and the natural environment.
I believed I knew all about making a good landscape picture. Now, I again realize that I need constant practice and refocusing. For good and not so good reasons as well as some legitimate and some spurious causes I was out of touch with my photography. But, slowly the concentration and patience to work in a way that for me leads to good photographs is returning. I have stopped trying to see or do too much. Go to every place that I liked or where I knew there might be photo opportunities. I got the old, heavy tripod out and lug it around so that when I go to a place I take time to explore it visually and thoughtfully. I watch the animals and the way they interact with each other and their environment. I watch the Light, and I pay attention to what it is that is interesting and attracting me. I strive to be open to the questions that each moment and location poses and the multitude of answers that each image provides. I am reconnecting with photoself and the natural environment.
Thank goodness for the Refuges of this world.
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