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I had a PM from John earlier today, basically asking how I am and how I'm feeling about my photography, to which I replied. Reading again through what I'd written I was acutely aware that it was all rather negative, defeatist and woefull. One of the things I lamented was my perception that I'm running out of local viewpoints that I have not already covered.
Later this afternoon a series of heavy showers passed over this part of Essex, interspersed by short periods of intense sunlight. I was aware that this was great light for photography but there was nowhere to go. Well, I could think of somewhere, a field of oil seed rape with a lone tree, but I had covered that last time the crop was planted. It struck me, though, that this time the light (and particularly the clouds) was rather different.
The question was, could I be bothered? No, I couldn't. The light would probably change by the time I got there and I'd probably get drenched in yet another shower, all to no avail. Then I started to think about what I'd written to John. Here was my chance to break out of the rut that I'm in. Sure, the light probably would change; I'd probably come away with nothing and get wet in the process, but I'd definitely get nothing if I didn't even try. After a few hesitations I finally grabbed my bag and decided to give it a try. I doubted that I'd better the picture I got several years ago but at least it would get me out the house and back behind the tripod. Another sudden and violent shower hit me as I walked out the door and I very nearly capitualted, but I didn't.
One thing that I have learnt over the years is it doesn't matter what the weather and light are doing while you are travelling to your location, it's what happens when you are there that counts. Yes, I got wet, but I was also rewarded with a brief period of brilliant sunlight against a dark, menacing sky. Was it better or worse than last time? I'm not sure, but it was different and that's what really counts. Most important, it has made me feel just a little more positive and restored a certain amount of confidence.
Today's effort, taken on an E-3 and 14-54mm lens.
My previous picture, taken on Velvia 50 in a Bronica ETRSi with 50mm lens.
The strip of lush green grass that contrasts so nicely with the yellow rape in the original picture has since been reduced to bare earth and I chose a viewpoint further into the rape in order to disguise this rather unattractive change.
My thanks to John for making me think and helping to stir me from my self-inflicted torpor.
Later this afternoon a series of heavy showers passed over this part of Essex, interspersed by short periods of intense sunlight. I was aware that this was great light for photography but there was nowhere to go. Well, I could think of somewhere, a field of oil seed rape with a lone tree, but I had covered that last time the crop was planted. It struck me, though, that this time the light (and particularly the clouds) was rather different.
The question was, could I be bothered? No, I couldn't. The light would probably change by the time I got there and I'd probably get drenched in yet another shower, all to no avail. Then I started to think about what I'd written to John. Here was my chance to break out of the rut that I'm in. Sure, the light probably would change; I'd probably come away with nothing and get wet in the process, but I'd definitely get nothing if I didn't even try. After a few hesitations I finally grabbed my bag and decided to give it a try. I doubted that I'd better the picture I got several years ago but at least it would get me out the house and back behind the tripod. Another sudden and violent shower hit me as I walked out the door and I very nearly capitualted, but I didn't.
One thing that I have learnt over the years is it doesn't matter what the weather and light are doing while you are travelling to your location, it's what happens when you are there that counts. Yes, I got wet, but I was also rewarded with a brief period of brilliant sunlight against a dark, menacing sky. Was it better or worse than last time? I'm not sure, but it was different and that's what really counts. Most important, it has made me feel just a little more positive and restored a certain amount of confidence.
Today's effort, taken on an E-3 and 14-54mm lens.
My previous picture, taken on Velvia 50 in a Bronica ETRSi with 50mm lens.
The strip of lush green grass that contrasts so nicely with the yellow rape in the original picture has since been reduced to bare earth and I chose a viewpoint further into the rape in order to disguise this rather unattractive change.
My thanks to John for making me think and helping to stir me from my self-inflicted torpor.
Well done for getting out and doing the deed and well done to musicman for helping with your motivation
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