Energy
10/2021
Many of us see nature as a place for retreat and relaxation. Yet nature is dynamic in many ways and at many scales. For this gallery, we asked you to show us images that showcase movement, potential movement, or growth, or images that exemplify what energizes you as a photographer. We want to congratulate the twelve photographers selected for this gallery, and hope that you enjoy the beautiful images below. We hope they inspire you to go out and enjoy nature in all its kinetic glory! Thanks to everyone for participating, and make sure to enter our next challenge by using #spm_vibrant on Instagram through December 31, 2021.
Bathing Birdie
Image by: Tara Lowry Photography
I came across this little bird splashing around in a fountain in Santa Fe, New Mexico. It was one of those fleeting moments that could easily go unnoticed but - once seen - completely captures your attention. The colliding energies of the fluttering bird with the cool erratic water drops raining down on it in the hot sun felt refreshing. After a while the little bird flew away and I moved closer to the fountain to feel the cool spray on my skin.
Slicing Waterfall
Image by: Josh Driver Photography
At first, there didn’t seem to be much to photograph. The light was gone and the waterfall hidden. In situations like this, I often try black and white. The decision paid off, enhancing the contrast between the rushing water and the great and silent sides of the river canyon walls. The image nearly feels quiet, save the steady rhythm of the waterfall.
Unintended
Image by: Julie Boyd
Photographing the changing landscape of the ocean energizes and challenges me to approach a scene with an open mind. While I was photographing a wider scene at golden hour, the way the water was combing through the algae and catching the light caught my eye. I quickly recomposed, and created this one image just before the sun dipped behind a rock, ending the moment. I love finding new things along the shore, and can’t wait to head back again soon.
Fluid
Image by: Scott Aspinall
Before our annual family camping trip to the Canadian Rockies this summer, I had enjoyed a few photos of different waterfalls captured at a fast shutter speed. The power and dynamics this approach can convey with the right subject are unrivalled. Years ago, I had experienced Takakkaw Falls (the second tallest falls in Canada, hurtling thousands of tonnes of water down a cliff face of nearly 1250 feet) for the first time. So as I stood in front of Takakkaw again this summer, I knew I wouldn't find another spot where I could, through a photograph, demonstrate the incredible power of nature more clearly.
Flight of the Vulture
Image by: Apani Hill
I love vultures and feel so privileged to see Turkey Vultures in the Pacific northwest almost every day, from their arrival in late spring until the autumn when they leave for their winter home. I’ve witnessed them feeding in large groups, and I've often seen parent birds patiently training their cute, curious juvenile! Although I’ve always tried capturing images of Turkey Vultures with a tack-sharp focus, I recently had the idea of using a slow shutter speed combined with slight camera movement to emphasize the grace, speed, and beauty of these magnificent birds!
Creative Energy
Image by: Krista McCuish
Summertime for me is usually spent exploring along Nova Scotia’s coastline. There is something restorative and energizing about walking barefoot at low tide in the early morning, when the sand feels refreshing and like a calm blue before the sun has a chance to warm up the surface. Nature is like an artist of quiet light and detail. It never fails to inspire and ignite my creative energy.
King Tide Splash
Image by: Kristy Sharkey
This is a relatively tiny scene inside a monster wave during last year’s king tide along the southern Washington coast. King tides occur a few times each year when the moon, earth, and sun all work together to produce the greatest tidal effects. I love being able to stop these ferocious waves in-camera and explore and appreciate their intricate details and patterns that would otherwise be unnoticeable as they crash into the cliffside.
Vibrant Morning
Image by: Sherri Cox
Sunny summer mornings in the echinacea garden are just magical, filled with life and energy. The first thing that grabs my attention is the cluster of vivid pink flowers standing straight and tall. As I sit on the garden bench and pay close attention, I gradually become aware of the movement and sounds of insects as they dance from flower to flower. Starting a day here energizes me, stimulates my creativity, and brings me joy. I hope this photo from the garden will brighten your day as well.
Triangles
Image by: David Corbin
I arrived earlier in the afternoon before the storm began to build. Back at camp, having eaten dinner, I watched this scene for an hour or more as it evolved. I probably made twenty frames, thinking 'this is the one' each time, my excitement growing with each subsequent image.
Facing the Atlantic
Image by: Forrest Dow
The Atlantic has always had a way of pulling me in. This form of energy cannot be put into words. For me, it is something that resembles the feeling of home. This ominous and powerful display by mother nature is best experienced face to face. This image tells the story of this encounter. The Atlantic reaching out and pulling me into its threatening yet reassuring world.
River Flow
Image by: Angela Gaa
There is something meditative about water in motion, whether it is a river, a lake, or the sea. On this day, as I returned from a hike along the little river, the dynamics and the resulting shapes and colors of the water drew my attention. It is a never-ending energy that flows in one place, ebbs in another, and sometimes even reverses, providing a photographic playground that transforms photography into meditation. Getting lost in photography this way generates a lot of energy for the photographer!
Of Floods and Torrents
Image by: Michael DiMeola
This composition was chosen to elicit some visual tension; I didn't want this image to feel completely quiet and peaceful as most long exposure water scenes are. This scene had tremendous energy resulting from the non-stop rains we were experiencing in the northeast. I've never seen this much water flow at this normally quiet and serene location. It was honestly a bit alarming and a not-so-subtle reminder of the power of Mother Nature.