Random photo notes, Vol. 4
These are a few notes I have written about some of my favorite photos. They can range from social media posts to descriptions on my homepage, even handwritten notes made in the field. They are not in chronological order.
I’ve always found it helpful to put words to my images, whether in the form of scribbling exposure settings in a notebook or writing essays on the nuances of a composition.
If photography can be partly considered the organization of the visible chaos that surrounds us, then I believe writing can be somewhat about taming the invisible and internal.
Looking back on my notes has always helped me to reflect on my technical and creative progress, as well as on my journey through life.
Castle in the Air, 1/16/22
January brought one solid day of snow to the region, 1/16/22, and I returned to my “Pocket Tree” scene for a solo hike. Coincidentally this day marked exactly one year from my very first visit to this awesome location, when I first came upon this lone tree out in the middle of a big meadow. I didn’t want to risk getting my car stuck as the snow fell, so I made this a quick hike for a planned shot (something I’ve been trying to avoid). I’d never set out in the snow with my camera before and we rarely get days like this, so the experience was pretty special.
Frozen W, 12/25/20
Sunrise on a frozen (and closed) W Rd. Orange morning light hitting the ice and snow was the plan and I got super lucky. Despite reports of amazing snow in neighboring cities Chattanooga got very little.
Sunrise on Soddy Creek, 11/14/20
I was really drawn to how the early sun began flooding this narrow gorge with golden light, and how the water interacted with the large boulder. In a hurry at first then serene and glowing as it reached the sunlight. This was my first visit to this popular spot so I was happy to arrive before any hikers or runners last Saturday. Timing is really everything when it comes to the best light. f/11 1/2s 23mm ISO100, CPL to cut the foreground glare a smidge
