Northern Mountains Nearing Peak…
The weather the past few days has been extremely variable…sun, clouds, fog, thunderstorms, wind, warm, cold, rain, and a few perfect landscape skies. Given the variability, I opted for less hiking this weekend, and more seeking specific sites that fit the weather’s mood swing of the moment. That’s not to say I didn’t put some mileage on my feet. I was able to enjoy short hikes to Ammonoosuc Lake, to Little Cherry Pond, and to the end of Basin Pond.
I truly experienced a lot between the shots…got to meet some great people, hiked with olde friends, and saw some things that just don’t translate well in the camera. One such experience was during a short bushwhack yesterday down to the Saco River from Rt. 302 in hopes of finding a view up to a gorgeous red ridge. While walking through, I was noting that much of the area was great moose habitat, so it didn’t surprise me to hear a large animal in the woods just to my left. I didn’t expect that animal to be a full grown black bear. Fortunately we both retreated quickly, but in pausing to confirm the improvement in my situation, I noticed two cubs up a nearby tree. Now, I’m not a wildlife photographer, nor do I have the lenses for it, but I couldn’t pass up the chance to capture the moment. Not for the portfolio, but a fun shot.
Additionally, I learned this weekend that not all autumn shots need to be of foliage. While at Little Cherry Pond last night, storm clouds and calm winds created a stunning scene at sunset. Not at all what I expected to shoot that evening, but a great moment to witness and capture.
As for foliage shots, here are a few…I’ll be processing more them this week, and share them here when time allows!
…and up next:
Going to Tamworth, Conway and the Eastern Kank this weekend!
A perfect day in the Zealand Valley…
When I research a location to shoot, I plan to put myself in a location at a time when there is the best chance for dramatic light and atmosphere. Despite the best planning though, the shoot really is at the whim of Mother Nature.
Knowing that, I have to be mindful of my mindset while out shooting autumn. Autumn days are beautiful. Crisp, breezy, perfect blue sky and golden foliage. I’m out there to enjoy the day AND work for the shot, but not every day out delivers the photographic scene I seek. I cannot let the latter dictate my day…
For about a year, I’ve envisioned a dramatic display from Zeacliff as the ultimate White Mountains shot. I dreamed of a valley filled with mist or fog, or a dramatic sunrise over Mount Willey spotlighting Carrigain across the way. I scouted the location this summer, and tried to time the peak foliage perfectly.
Saturday seemed perfect…and the forecast held potential. Crisp and clear during the day; clouds moving in at night. Sunday morning would be an all or nothing sunrise, with the sunrise racing the incoming storm.
And Saturday was the perfect day to hike up. But the perfect light during either golden hour never occurred, blocked by clouds and rain at sunset and daybreak. I ultimately hiked 8+ miles with full overnight gear, only to spend the night ¼ mile from the car…
How do I feel now that I’m back home…great! I had the privilege of spending time in one of my favorite places, and spend the time with a good friend. Met some nice folks and fellow VFTT’rs along the trail as well! And, though lacking the drama that I usually strive for in my photography, I came away with some nice, colorful shots before the clouds moved in! Now in browsing through these photos, I can’t help but think that perhaps these shots capture the feeling, mood and spirit of a gorgeous autumn day even more than most of my dramatic or moody shots…
View Over Wildlife Pond…
View From Zeacliff…
First Autumn Shoot
This morning I began my annual persuit of morning light and autumn foliage. There is something really special about a misty, frosty and crisp morning. Perhaps it’s the chill itself, or the silence, muffled by the life around’s slowness to stir. Perhaps its the anticipation of the coming rays of light that still bring considerable warmth. Perhaps it’s simply the explosion of colors masked by the cloak of green all summer. Whatever it is, I look forward to photographing this season all year.
This morning I shot Ponemah Bog in Amherst, the place that nearly killed my camera this past June. I arrived before 6AM to heavy mist and light frost. A great way to begin autumn!
I will be quite busy for the next few weeks trying to capture nature’s great display, but will post notes and photos when I can. Thanks for following along!
First Rays of Light on a frosty Ponemah Bog…
Photographing the Wilderness…
I spend a lot of time outdoors, and much of that time is dedicated to either photographing New England’s rural or natural landscape, or scouting locations to shoot when the light is right. It’s become a bit of an obsession for me.
I at this point have a collection of images that I am proud of as a cohesive set; a group of a few hundred images that capture some of the best moments I have seen while hiking, fishing and touring. I’m now at the point where I not only want to share them with more people, but also expand my reach in the business side of photography.
Over the next year, I hope to expand the infant brand into a few different business forays. I’ve already taken steps into Rights Managed Stock Photography, as well as Fine Art Prints. Neither have become streamlined into a neat packages yet, and I hope to offer more access and better service over the coming months.
I also hope to break into the art fair market, specifically with a line of notecards as well as matted prints. Lastly, I hope that I can combine my love of teaching and sharing with my photography as I begin to investigate the idea of leading photo tours and workshops.
Grand plans…but I also need to keep perspective. I’m truly most happy that I can experience the wilderness, and share it with others through my photos. Everything beyond that is just a bonus…
Thanks for following me on the journey…
