Going Out on a Limb brings Photography Awards
Once in a while photography takes you out of your comfort zone and off the
beaten path to a road less traveled when the weather conditions are so unique
that the landscape has been totally transformed in to a frozen mix of fog and
ice.
Thus were the conditions on an early January morning when I ventured out to the Stillwater Wildlife Refuge near Fallon, Nevada. Occasionally during a cold winter, the Great Basin Desert experiences a weather phenomenon known as Pogonip or freezing fog. The ice particles from the fog adhere to any rough surface and though very beautiful, it can also be dangerous to breathe the ice crystals for a prolonged time. It is easy to become disoriented in the fog and people have been known to die from the exposure.
Being aware of my environment, I tried to go for scenes that were in close proximity to my warm truck. However through the fog, I noticed a stream up ahead and what appeared to be ducks swimming through the unfrozen water. This was one of those moments when your instincts take control and you are in a "got to have that photo mode". As I was carefully walking through the muddy frozen dirt carrying my camera on the tripod, a pair of red-tailed hawks took flight from the left side of the bank. In a manner of micro-seconds, I composed the scene and snapped the shutter, hoping that I had caught the fleeting birds.
Thus were the conditions on an early January morning when I ventured out to the Stillwater Wildlife Refuge near Fallon, Nevada. Occasionally during a cold winter, the Great Basin Desert experiences a weather phenomenon known as Pogonip or freezing fog. The ice particles from the fog adhere to any rough surface and though very beautiful, it can also be dangerous to breathe the ice crystals for a prolonged time. It is easy to become disoriented in the fog and people have been known to die from the exposure.
Being aware of my environment, I tried to go for scenes that were in close proximity to my warm truck. However through the fog, I noticed a stream up ahead and what appeared to be ducks swimming through the unfrozen water. This was one of those moments when your instincts take control and you are in a "got to have that photo mode". As I was carefully walking through the muddy frozen dirt carrying my camera on the tripod, a pair of red-tailed hawks took flight from the left side of the bank. In a manner of micro-seconds, I composed the scene and snapped the shutter, hoping that I had caught the fleeting birds.
It always seems that when I am out in the moment and being one with nature, the photograph comes to me. And on these rare occasions I am blessed with an image that will reach out and touch the viewer as was the case with my hawks in the fog that became titled "Quiet Retreat".
On June 11, 2013, I received a call for artists in the mixed medium competition: Together IN Harmony, which was a project by Ambassador Lyza Sahertian for the European Capitol of Culture--Umeå2014. The winners in the mediums of Photography, Painting, Illustration and Sculpture would exhibit in the Galerie du Columbier, Paris, France from July 22nd through August 3rd.
As luck would have it, my "Quiet Retreat" was awarded third place from a field of 60 photographers from across the globe.
Distinguished members of jury
Artists represented at Galerie du Columbier in Together IN Harmony
When I am out competing with the whims of nature to get a scene, I am always mindful of a favorite quote from actress and author Shirley MacLaine, "Don't be afraid to go out on a limb, that's where all the fruit is". Whether it is the challenge or just living on the edge, these are the moments when I do get my best shots.
What
an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been. I love
it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get
treated to new experiences.
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Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.
"Reflecting Nature's Artistry"
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