Congratulations to Ross Martin for winning Feature Thread of the Week with 7 votes - View Previous Winners
As D-Day nears (‘Departure’) my excitement is growing but imbedded with it is some anxiety. This is an old companion I’ve known for many years. It’s not uncommon for creative types to sometimes worry that they will suddenly lose their ability to create. This species of worry hits just before a shooting trip and I get that nervous little voice inside whispering “What if your photographic vision is gone? What if you see nothing? What if you can no longer find and make meaningful compositions?”
Speaking on this topic with a friend who runs a fine art printmaking shop and works with all kinds of creative folks, she said to me, “Ross, when that fear strikes, just remind yourself that you already have a body of work. Take joy in what you created up to this point and be grateful.” It wasn’t the advice I expected because I wanted to be reassured I’d never lose the ability, but over time I’ve come to see that her words are powerful, because when I intentionally pursue thankfulness for all the blessings already granted, it soothes my mind and brings a deep-seated joy in the present that is an antidote for anxiety about the future.
So here’s another set of past fall images that I’m using as an exercise to fuel my gratitude and peacefulness, to ground my emotions, as I prepare to go out in the field soon to see whatever I can see. I’m grateful for beauty. I’m grateful just for the inspiration of being out in the natural world. I’m grateful for the photographic process that allows all of us expression and joy.
As always, I thank you for taking time to stop by, and y’all have my best wishes for your own fall photography adventures!
jcw1982 wrote:
Beautiful set of stunning photographs Ross! Also, thanks for reminding me fall is just around the corner. Very inspirational work.
I appreciate your positive feedback, Jeff! And I hope you have some great shooting - in Kentucky, right? Where I’m at in southwest Ohio the forests have started turning a bit early, but concerned the current drought will take a toll. I will probably head to the Michigan Upper Peninsula first, but they also are unseasonably warm right now so will have to see what happens with timing and color.
brianbeatty wrote:
Beautiful work Ross! Especially #2 and #3.
Thanks so much, Brian! I’m glad you like # 2 especially, that was published in a calendar years ago but I have not done anything with it since, but after re-discovering it in my files this week I do want to print and hang it.
Gorgeous set. Where are you headed? Good luck in your travels and shooting. This Sunday I'm off for a month in our truck camper down through Yellowstone to southern Utah, then back up through Colorado. Packing and cooking in high gear (we have a good freezer in the camper so bring lots of easy to thaw homemade dinners).
I sometimes wonder why I keep shooting and putting all the effort (and $) into pictures that few see. Then I get another good un, the creative dopamine hits, and that's enough.
Jim Dockery wrote:
Gorgeous set. Where are you headed? Good luck in your travels and shooting. This Sunday I'm off for a month in our truck camper down through Yellowstone to southern Utah, then back up through Colorado. Packing and cooking in high gear (we have a good freezer in the camper so bring lots of easy to thaw homemade dinners).
I sometimes wonder why I keep shooting and putting all the effort (and $) into pictures that few see. Then I get another good un, the creative dopamine hits, and that's enough.
Thank you Jim! Sounds like you have a great trip planned, love all those areas. That’s a great idea to precook, I need to try that. I have a good freezer also. I tend to get back to camp at dark after shooting and dinner is often a can of sardines
Ah yes, that creative dopamine! I find it best to shoot for myself, for the pursuit of my own joy. Afterward if I am able to share and some folks enjoy, that’s a bonus.
My plan was to start with the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, followed by Blue Ridge and Smokies. But the worsening drought in many areas of the US right now may impact the colors and timing, so I’m keeping other options open for final destination decision, such as New England states where moisture is normal. One of my favorite fall areas in West Virginia is in an extreme drought rating currently.
quickking wrote:
Those are all wonderful Ross! I know exactly where that WV shot was taken
Thanks so much, Kevin! Ha, yes I’m sure you know that spot I was hoping to return to WV for part of my fall shoots but I’ve read the drought is quite severe there and leaves are dying before they’ll have a chance to turn.
