One way to grow as a photographer is by stretching your comfort zone and not getting “stuck” in a certain style. We need to get past the idea that “I only shoot landscapes or flowers or puppies” or whatever. You can love or be compelled to create a certain type of photography, but trying other things will help you improve and hone those core passions.
I’ve recently made a conscious effort to to do this. Part of the inspiration came from friends like Mike Pillows, and Pat Worley who are willing to try anything photographically. This year I started photographing old and abandoned buildings, people, and taking on some commercial photographic assignments. One was for a trucking company where I even got to drive a big rig for a short distance. One of a photographer’s little perks.
Recently, I returned to my core passion when I loaded up my gear and hiked a 9 mile series of trails in Harriman State Park in New York. It was my first serious photographic hike in a while. As much as I love what I’ve been photographing recently, it felt great to be back on the trail again with camera gear, and some new perspectives in tow. There is beauty and solitude in hiking through the landscape and photographing a wilderness that is only available to those who desire to make the effort to get there.
West Mountain
The panorama below was taken from the top of West Mountain. It is one of my favorite views in the park. Although I’ve been here before, it felt like I was looking at it for the first time. A whole new set of visual cues and flows that I never noticed before revealed themselves to me.
View of the Timp from West Mountain by Richard Lewis 2014
Bald Mountain
The photograph below was taken from the top of Bald Mountain. I love the simplicity of the Hudson Valley landscape. It has a settled, comfortable beauty that is very different from the drama and severity of areas with high mountains. I was lucky to be hiking here when the soft spring colors in the valley were showing.
Spring at Bear Mountain State Park by Richard Lewis 2014
In the photograph below, the hiking trail opens up along a small rocky ridge that creates a “hole” in the forest. For years I’ve admired this quiet little spot but never saw a photograph. Since my trip to the Smoky Mountains, I’ve been much more sensitive to flowering trees and how branches can add flow to a composition. Looking at this scene with a fresh perspective allowed me to noticed how the lone dogwood plays against Bald Mountain in the background.
A Dogwood in the shadow of Bald Mountain by Richard Lewis 2014
By stretching your comfort zone, you learn to see better as an artist. Then, when you return to the work you love most, it will be with a new and expanded vision and comfort zone. Heck, you might even find a new love along the way.
Enjoy
Rich, I volunteer at a camp in Harriman St. Park all summer. In fact I was just there for 10 days. We are in the northern part- Twin Lakes- Baileytown Road. There is an old cemetery a mile down the road that was the burial grounds for the Bailey family. I could show or tell you how to get there. It is restricted access because we lease it but I am there all summer and can get you into the area. Have you photographed from Perkins Memorial?
Barb
Hi Barb. Thanks for the offer, I’d love to visit that cemetery. Yes, I have photographed from the Perkins Memorial and actually have some stuff from there to process. I guess I tend to favor the views from the other mountain tops because there is a little more “sweat equity” involved in getting there.
Rich, Nine miles sounds like a serious photo hike. I’m trying to get past shooting only evening landscapes, mainly of the restored prairies nearby. It’s uncomfortable – something about old dogs and new tricks. Maybe I need a new camera? 🙂
Hi Ben. Hiking is in my blood as much as photography is so it is nice to mix the two. It gets me to places where other photographers usually don’t go. I’m glad to hear that you are stretching your self a bit. I’d love talk to you about that more sometime.
well… just can not keep you out of the woods can we!!!!! The walking is said to improve ones creative vision…. glad you are showing us the way.
Any time you want to head out in the woods with me, Mike, I’d love to have you.
Ohh… thanks for the shout out in your post… not so sure I would be that inspiration out on the trail :-0
My pleasure to give you some kudos. Some of your latest work showed me that I don’t only have to be a back country photographer. By expanding my vision I’ve consequently become a better back country photographer.
Richard these for me are very serene and easy on my eyes; a different take on the landscape style. Provides me some quiet lonesomeness, very fitting for some somber reflection as we head into Memorial Day. Thank you.
Thanks Bob. I love this area because it is so easy on the eyes if not on the feet. There is such a peaceful feeling here. It is interesting that you are were inspired to reflect on Memorial Day. In 1777 the British marched through here to battle the fledgling American Army near what is now West Point.