Random Photo Notes, Vol. 12

Rift, 8/17/23

At the close of a recent afternoon hike I noticed an interesting pattern in the wood of a fallen tree laying to the side of the trail. The repeating patterns of cracks in the wood caught my attention quickly, but when I looked closer I found an interesting ridge line cutting diagonally across the exposed wood. I imagined the contours of a range of mountains, or the fault between tectonic plates slowly converging at the bottom of the ocean. I played with different angles and heights for a good thirty minutes, wiping sweat from my face as I worked. I arrived at a composition that emphasizes the diagonal “rift” as well as the subtle greens, oranges and browns that tone the long-dead specimen.

Storytime, 6/16/24

June of 2024 found my partner Hannah and I visiting a farm in Bon Aqua, Tennessee, about 45 minutes outside of Nashville. Hannah volunteered at Camp Horizon, an oncology camp for children, while I worked remotely and spent time with Randy the Pig, numerous chickens, five friendly farm cats, two great dogs, and a few horses.

My camera came with me on only one early morning walk through the woods, where I became covered in spiderwebs and my glasses fogged over thanks to thick humidity. I actually noticed lots of different fauna - surprising given how close to home we were.

While wandering on my own, I imagined Hannah working with courageous sick children, each on a journey more arduous than I have ever experienced, or could possibly imagine, teaching them how to create crafts to take home when camp ended.

"Storytime" is about the excitement and anticipation of beginning a new path, whether that is a painful but necessary journey or something much simpler, such as following light in a dark wood. It’s about being a little bit scared about what's around the corner, but allowing ourselves to remain curious, even optimistic, when we are too often told to be anything but.

All Who Came Before, 10/24/23 (SW Oklahoma)

The Wichita Mountains of Southwest Oklahoma have fascinated me since I was a little kid. This past October I was fortunate to visit the historical wildlife refuge on a ten-day solo visit. I stayed in a small cabin in Medicine Park, OK, right outside the refuge, and managed to hike about seven days during my stay. I also retraced some meaningful places from memories of visiting my grandparents with my family, just down the road in Lawton and Ft. Sill.

OnLandscape Magazine was so kind to publish an article I wrote and photographs taken during that trip, which I have also posted in my Words section. I hope you'll give it a read if you can spare about five minutes.