Lovin’ La Vida Local
In Capturing Context, we share the story behind the image, providing insight into the photographer's approach and experience, and allowing the reader to connect more deeply with the work.
We landscape photographers daydream of being in pristine, remote, unique locations. In these dreams we undoubtedly have the place all to ourselves, just us and our camera, epic light falling on an epic landscape in front of us, the rest of the world eagerly waiting to see the magic that we capture. Reality is most often quite a bit different. Most of us just can’t be traveling and exploring constantly. Then when we do, we often find that epic destinations are increasingly crowded. In fact, they are often crowded with people just like us, looking to capture something unique. Whether it be professional landscape photographers, social media influencers, or a casual tourist snapping a selfie, all are looking for a dramatic picture-perfect image to share with the world. This reality presents many topics worth discussing, ranging from our social media-obsessed culture to the protection of our natural resources. However, there is one question in particular that we should all ponder, as we daydream of our next adventure: are the best images necessarily created in the most beautiful places? Is there a direct connection between the creativity or quality of one’s work, and the awesomeness of the places one has visited? I believe that the answer is: not at all!
Blanketed Grove / Ernesto Ruiz
For me, a particular experience last year highlighted the notion that the best shot is often just around the corner. In April, a late winter blizzard took aim at Minnesota on an otherwise regular workday. We all collectively groaned about the Minnesota weather... just when everyone had put away their snow blowers and the snow had melted, here comes the big one! I was mostly annoyed at the likely inconvenience of a tough commute and the inevitable heavy shoveling ahead. I left work early, making it home in the mid-afternoon, just as the snow was picking up. Afternoon commute successfully completed, and wanting to wait for more accumulation before the first round of shoveling, I suddenly found myself peacefully at home, looking out the window at a rapidly changing landscape. I had been absorbed in my daily routine, and so focused on the stress and inconvenience of the storm, that I had not thought about how beautiful it was going to be! And here I was, suddenly with nothing pressing to do, looking out the window at a true winter wonderland. I was struck with the sudden realization that I need to be out there with my camera, enjoying this moment!
“The peaceful, time-slowing beauty of the wet, heavy snow was happening right outside my window. Enjoying it, and attempting to capture a bit of its beauty, required no fancy pre-conceived location.”
My first thought was: What beautiful place can I get to? A state park maybe? Somewhere more rural? The Stone Arch Bridge in Minneapolis? I immediately realized, however, that I didn’t want to drive more. I had been relieved to make it home before the worst, so why would I get back in the car? The peaceful, time-slowing beauty of the wet, heavy snow was happening right outside my window. Enjoying it, and attempting to capture a bit of its beauty, required no fancy pre-conceived location. I simply walked right out my front door with my camera, one lens, and my tripod (and a pocket full of lens wipes!). What followed was one of the most satisfying photographic experiences I’d had a long time.
A picture of me that day, taken by my wife when she joined me for a portion of the walk.
Why did I carry just one lens? Several reasons: First, I knew that me and the camera were going to be soaking wet in no time, and I was not looking forward to changing lenses in those conditions. Second, I imagined this was going to be a long, leisurely walk, and didn’t feel like carrying all my gear. Third, sometimes carrying just one lens, and focusing on what you can create with it, helps to focus your creativity. In this case, I chose to carry my Canon 70-300L, a weather-sealed professional telephoto lens with a fairly broad zoom range. It would allow me to find and isolate subjects, while cutting out the distractions of the urban setting.
Weathering the Storm / Ernesto Ruiz
I walked for over three hours, in the Como Park neighborhood, mainly in the streets in and around the park. I found myself gravitating towards trees, focusing on ones that could be isolated from houses, roads, and other infrastructure. Trees make great photographic subjects, as they often seem able to convey emotions and feelings through an image. People will feel a connection with a lone tree’s straining under the weight of the snow, or the way it stoically or triumphantly carries such a burden. (For more on the power of trees as subjects, I suggest you read Beth Young’s article on woodland photography.) I also looked for trees with some color or texture, something that would contrast with the soft whiteness accumulating around them. I was also fascinated by the soft shadows cast by the tree canopies on the pristine white canvas underneath. All the images on this article were captured during this walk. It was an immensely memorable experience, resulting in images that I love, captured right in my neighborhood.
“I am particularly fond of special images captured in less than epic locations. They feel like bigger accomplishments, requiring more attention to your surroundings and heightened attention to details.”
So, this brings me back to the original question of where to go to make the most compelling images. People getting started in photography often ask what camera should they buy, placing way too much importance on the piece of equipment, when really any modern camera will do for someone with motivation and a little talent. A common answer to this question, from more seasoned photographers is: to improve your work, don’t waste your money on a new camera, use the money to travel to some wonderful destinations. Yet, I don’t think that is necessarily sound advice. Sure, it’s easy to capture beautiful images in beautiful places, but that doesn’t necessarily improve your skills, or result in betterimages.
Winter Canopy / Ernesto Ruiz
I am particularly fond of special images captured in less than epic locations. They feel like bigger accomplishments, requiring more attention to your surroundings and heightened attention to details. Which, ultimately, may result in even better photographs than those captured in idyllic or mind-blowing places. More importantly, the observation, visual editing, and compositional skills practiced when shooting in a challenging environment can help us capture more unique images everywhere, including framing and showcasing a famous location in a more unique way.
“Potentially great images constantly surround us all; if we have the time and interest to look around and explore, they can materialize in surprising places.”
Don’t get me wrong, I love to travel and explore. Seeing and capturing more of the world was one of the main motivators that excited me about landscape photography, and still does. Most of my photos were taken during our travels, because that’s when I have the time and frame of mind for this creative pursuit. Furthermore, I don’t advocate for avoiding iconic locations if you enjoy shooting them (see my article about on this topic). However, good photography is not about being somewhere glorious.
Little Sentinels / Ernesto Ruiz
Potentially great images constantly surround us all; if we have the time and interest to look around and explore, they can materialize in surprising places. When something catches your attention and seems of particular interest, it’s likely a photographic opportunity in the making. This winter storm was one of those times for me, when a sudden unexpected event turned to something memorable and special. Here’s to hoping for another heavy wet winter storm this coming Spring! (With sincerest apologies to my neighbors.)
