It takes you to a place within yourself...

Sunrise-Sunset

Nature is so powerful, so strong. Capturing its essence is not easy - your work becomes a dance with light and the weather. It takes you to a place within yourself.

- Annie Leibovitz 

I've been sent this quote, I'm asked to "print it", I find it striking me as a  completely appropriate beginning to this post. As a photographer, you shoot what you know, discover and what interests you. Willie Porter sings of "Making the most of the available light." That's my thing, has been for a while now.

Training This scene plays out every day near Midway Airport. Trapped at the head of the line, I jump out with the camera - who can complain? We are not going anywhere soon... Once the capture is in the machine, post production makes this gray day opportunity "Pop". 

 

Pretty Kitty needs a home...Opportunity knocks once again, and the dance continues.... she was adopted post haste!

"An old married couple" that's what I say. And I'm sure I did. We captured these two one early morning at the harbor - "Walking on thin Ice." Do you think it's him with the attitude or her? You see the attitude no? 

We are dancing with the light and the weather here, bitter cold! Scenes like these are few and far between.

 

POWER OUTAGE! More hard work in no light - the weather has interrupted power at a large transportation dispatch center. The critical path is determined by not only the available light - but the traffic demand. 800 transportation units require immediate attention - when automation is threatened.

Night moves... the call comes in... have you seen the tree, did you see the lighting on the fence? It's the quintessential time exposure shot, level solid surface required. Often this necessitates a tripod or other stable platform. The art requires you do some good work in the dark...and cold.

Fall Flight... eight on approach to final... landing long... Standing still, among other things, allows us to capture the essence of this scene. Not being a threat makes close approaches possible. I'm Dancing with the Flock... can you see the hint of blue sky reflected on the far wing of the lead and the forth goose?

It's a "Sit Off"  with Coyote Wild... the "Dance" continues. Lighting is not optimal - and neither is the field chosen for rest. A Female Coyote has eyes for you three - and you for him. It all ends well, for she looses interest and heads back to the den.

We end with a beginning...  Dawn arrives over a foggy scene and our dance with light and weather continues. 

I am alone on this early fall morning and look out over this serine start to the day with a perspective only gained when viewed from  that "special place within." It requires effort - I am happy.

Thank you Annie Leibovitz.