AN ORDINARY PARADISE page 2
The ever changing color of light, which every serious nature photographer knows can make or break a photograph, is never more evident than when shooting images at a familiar location on a regular basis. To illustrate this point, it may surprise you to learn that the exact location of the tripod for each of the accompanying photographs was less than 30 yards apart, yet the color of light has given each its own unique look and feel. Natural light illuminating any subject is constantly changing, and with this change, comes a change in the appearance of and the emotion derived from any given scene. As nature photographers, we must learn to recognize these changes and use them to our advantage. Shooting images at a familiar location will teach us to use these changes and turn an ordinary scene into a work of art.
Of course, the subject matter itself at any given location can change from day to day as well. On my many trips to Hopewell, I've had the opportunity to shoot many varied forms of wildlife, anglers on shore, in boats, and on the ice, sunrises, sunsets, and fall foliage. The list goes on and on. Since I never know what my subject matter might be on any given day, I always take all my equipment with me, especially plenty of film. In this way, I'm prepared for any opportunities that may arise. Nothing is worse than having a beautiful scene unfold before your eyes, and then realizing the perfect lens to shoot it with is sitting on your dresser at home. I must admit, however, that my accumulation of equipment to date is not yet as extensive as that of the average working pro, and I am
Of course, the subject matter itself at any given location can change from day to day as well. On my many trips to Hopewell, I've had the opportunity to shoot many varied forms of wildlife, anglers on shore, in boats, and on the ice, sunrises, sunsets, and fall foliage. The list goes on and on. Since I never know what my subject matter might be on any given day, I always take all my equipment with me, especially plenty of film. In this way, I'm prepared for any opportunities that may arise. Nothing is worse than having a beautiful scene unfold before your eyes, and then realizing the perfect lens to shoot it with is sitting on your dresser at home. I must admit, however, that my accumulation of equipment to date is not yet as extensive as that of the average working pro, and I am
sure, as my backpack grows heavier and my aging back grows weaker, I may have to reconsider my position on this matter.
The weather is another element that can change at any time, so be prepared. Unless it is absolutely pouring rain, don't let inclement weather keep you from visiting your own ordinary paradise. Not doing so could mean missing out on some of the best photo opportunities you may ever have. Stormy skies, snow or fog can turn a mediocre photograph into an instant winner. Don't get me wrong, photographing in bad weather can be quite a chore, but the results may well be worth the effort. Protect your equipment and your body. Believe me, I don't think there's anyone on earth that despises cold weather more than I do! However, if you dress properly, and your motor drive is burning through film as a doe and her fawn steps out of the woods for a drink at the waters edge, the adrenaline alone will keep you plenty warm.
