As I wandered along the confluenceof Middle Prong of Little Pigeon and Porter’s Creek in Greenbrier, it occurred to me that the spindly, downward reaching limbs of an old red maple (Acer rubrum) had come to form a curtain of lacy green through which I could peek to observe the very spot where the two streams joined their waters to continue their seaward journey. As many times as I have photographed from this very spot over the past twenty-five years, I have never thought to visualize the elements in this way. It was a novel experience.
A focal length of 65mm, very short telephotoland, gave me the angle-of-view and elemental isolation I wanted: a clear view of a significant run of white water, with dipping branches spaced delicately around. An aperture of f/22 was necessary for depth-of-field. I focused on the closest of the four boulders in the bottom of the main opening in the limbs; and with a shutter speed of 2.0 seconds at ISO 100 achieved a medium overall exposure and relative sharpness throughout.
I do not believe from my experience that there will ever be a time when I will stand before a scene in nature and say, “There is nothing else I can photograph here; I have created all the images there are to create in this place.” The public lands of this country are too amazingly wonderful for this to ever happen.
I look forward to your Sunday morning offerings. It is my ‘church’ before I attend my other church. thank you for setting the mood so that I am ready to continue my spiritual Sundays (I am not always in a church mood when I arise on a Sunday morning).
Hi Sondra. Thank you very much for joining us for this conversation. First I want to gratefully acknowledge your candor: I understand how it can feel on Sunday morning when church is not the first thing on your mind. I think I am fortunate that Nature has been my church for a long time, and whenever I am in that church, which is as often as possible, all I feel is humility and gratitude. So I can definitely appreciate your “two churches” approach and hope that I may continue to fill one of those with my work.
Walk in Beauty.
What a wonderfull way to start the week. Becuse the curtan is opening and not closing it’s not obstructing it’s creating a beautiful visual path to the confluence. Too often I see the curtain closed, but I’m working on it. Thank for the beautiful image.
Hey Chuck. It’s always good to hear from you, my Friend. Thank you for suggesting to us that the curtain is opening rather than closing. Indeed, I see it that way as well. For in seeing the curtain as opening, we are encouraged to pass through and explore the other side. And as long as the curtain is not allowed to become a barrier, we are free to see it as an invitation to enjoy the world that is revealed beyond. Look forward to seeing you soon.
Once again, just an amazing picture
Hi Mike. Thanks so much for joining us. It’s always good to hear from you. I hope your spring travels have led you and your camera to amazing and beautiful places. Take very good care and be well.
You’re a man after my own heart. Love waterfalls and cascades, Nice!
Hey Ron. I really appreciate your thoughtful comments. In the 15, or so, years that I have known you, there are two things that I will never forget about you: You are an amazing artist with wood and we share in common a great love of whitewater. We have enjoyed stimulating conversations about waterfalls and cascades all across the country, from both an artistic perspective and simply from the perspective of beauty. There aren’t many other folks with whom I can share my love of moving water. Thank you for being among that group. Hope you are having a beautiful and creative spring season. Walk in Beauty, my Friend.
I agree that this curtain is an open invitation to go for an adventure, stop and enjoy the beautiful mesmerizing sound and sight of the moving water, take a nap on a comfortable rock, or take a few photos.
The mountains are calling… Thanks for the reminder of what we can find when we show up.
Hi Nancy T, It’s always good to have you join us. I really appreciate your idea of taking a nap on a comfortable rock and then creating a few images. The nap would be motivated, of course, by the mesmerizing sounds and moving waters. There is something strange going on in my head because mountains call me all the time and I’m not sure I would know how to act if their voices went silent. I’m glad they speak to you, as well; we are truly blessed. Places like Greenbrier will always be very special to us. Take good care and walk in Beauty.