Roots of my vision…

As a photographer, it’s vital to have a vision, and to always keep your mind and heart tuned in and focused on that vision. There’s so much noise in the world, so many things that distract us, stress us, and compete for space in our consciousness. For me, a photographer’s vision is like a true arrow, pointing toward what is meaningful and honest about what I do. Earlier this week, while I was in the midst of the buzz of activities that consumes my life, I was struck by the stark, drama of the landscape outside my window. I stopped what I was doing, collected my gear, and stepped outside. It brought me back to what I love, what moves me. I never want to lose those roots, because they keep me centered, grounded and give meaning to what I do. Hope you enjoy…

Hollywood’s earthly delights…

 

This is a post that harkens a theme I draw upon quite a lot–inspiration is everywhere. This beautiful eucalyptus tree was captured on a recent sightseeing trip in a city more famous for its concrete jungle than its natural scenic beauty: Los Angeles. In fact, this was not even taken at one of the state or national parks near the city, but rather it was smack in the middle of the Hollywood Bowl, a stone’s throw away from the tangle of interstates and byways that envelop LA’s urban landscape. The majority of our six-day visit had been spent inside movie studios, pounding the pavement at tourist sites and otherwise exploring the city life of one of the country’s great cities, and one of our last stops was to see in person the structure that has for more than 70 years, been home to some of the best musical concerts on earth. While wandering down to the stage area to take a look around, I couldn’t help but gaze upward at these magnificent natural wonders. This one, in particular, had the wow factor that took me aback–a true Hollywood star. Hope you enjoy…

Just turn around…

 

I’ve always been attracted to trees… their sturdiness, longevity, and life-giving force are the very embodiment of nature’s inherent strength over adversity. They are, of course, simply beautiful as well. I have always been drawn to trees–as a child they seemed to hold some sort of magic in the majesty of their branches, arching to touch the sky, crocheting a pattern of profoundly complex branches and leaves that to this day, can hold me in rapt attention. So it’s no surprise that I photograph trees, especially in the fall and winter, when their stark appearance seems to beg center stage. Funny enough, for the image above, I had set out to photograph clouds. I saw them forming late one afternoon and, in a race against time, grabbed my camera, tripod, and took off for what I knew would end up yielding me all of 10 minutes of prime capture time, given the lateness of the hour. No matter–I set out on a mission. And while I did indeed shoot several interesting shots of the gathering clouds facing the east, it was when I had packed up and turned around the other way, to the west, that I saw the tree. Beautifully silhouetted against those gorgeous purple and gold clouds, there it stood, and I knew I had found what I came for. It’s magic when that happens. Hope you enjoy…

Branch artistry…

 

Frozen branches, January 2011 snow

A January snow turned the woods into a frozen snowscape.
(f/4, 1/60, ISO 100, 70 mm)

 

Tree of life…

A lovely old oak, Brentwood, Tennessee.

Dramatis arborus…