Tis the season for end of the year recaps and “best of” lists (and presents and family and joy), so I challenged myself to narrow my list down to just 5 images that I personally love the best. It’s been a year of major photography and artistic growth for me, so each of these images represents, in part, one of my milestones.
The top image, “Bones in the Sand” is memorable for me because it was a trip that required some will power to make – a 1:30 am wake up call, and a 4 hour drive to get there – for a sunrise that never really manifested. But it has always been a struggle for me to get up early, and it felt like a bit of a turning point for me.
Also, it was one of the first images I really remember laboring over the edit for. Not as in…I don’t know what I’m doing, how do I make XYZ happen….but more of a drive to make sure that my art was worth the effort I had put in to capture the edit. I remember worrying down to the littlest detail, wanting everything – even the title of the image to be perfect. In retrospect, I think that is one of the characteristics needed to put out good, consistent work and I’ve finally reached that milestone.
Our Rain Song continues to be a bit of a personal favorite, even though it never seems to catch fire with the rest of the world. This image came with a lesson on life – remember to enjoy the journey. You can read the full story here, but the short version was a 2+ mile hike up to see this lake and the sky opened up. I got very frustrated I was unable to put together a good shot. When I let those negative emotions go and just appreciated the good things that day had to offer, I had a “creative ah ha!” moment and the image just came together.
In Wildness came together based on some of the most important characteristics a landscaper can have – it was the result of patience, perseverance and the willingness to put ourselves out into the world to find the beautiful spaces left to us. This lake was also about 2 miles in (about halfway to the summit of a 4m hike), and the weather was a bit dreary. In typical New England fashion, it couldn’t decide if it wanted to be overcast, windy, cold, sunny, sleeting or mild. I believe Mama Nature settled on a mix of them all. haha
When we arrived at the lake, I marveled at the view. I took my camera out trying to find the right composition and everything I did kept falling a bit flat. The lighting just wasn’t very dynamic, but I knew we couldn’t linger all day…we still had half a mountain to conquer. ‘Just a few more minutes,’ I kept thinking. I knew there was something in the spot that could be magical, I just had to find it. As I settled into search mode, the clouds started to shift and some sunlight hit the ravine. It was thhheeeee moment I had been waiting for.
The weekend was physically exhausting, but ultimately, I was able to overcome the difficulties and uncomfortable (aka kinda dangerous…don’t read this, Mom!) conditions, I was able to focus and be patient and walk (limp) away with a few beautiful images. 🙂
Dreamsong was based around one major principle…find a new shot. This image was taken in Acadia National Park – a beautiful, very popular (highly photographed) place. I had already seen a million gorgeous shots of Otter Cliffs, Bass Harbor Light and Cadillac Mountain…the world didn’t need one more. haha I mean, don’t get me wrong…I took photos of the light house, but I have yet to edit it. I wanted to do something different though. I wanted to make an image of Acadia that was a representation of my vision, not a rehash of someone else’s composition. Thankfully, this beach/tree allowed me to do just that. 🙂 At the time, I didn’t know it would end up being one of my favorites, but everything came together perfectly.
Last, but certainly not least, Silk Ribbons is in my tops because it was a reminder that the details are just as important as a grand, sweeping scene. 🙂
Happy end to a 2014, and hope that you all have a lovely 2015!!
Xoxo
Shannon
Beautiful work, wow! 💟☀️
Thank you so much, John! 🙂 And happy New Year!
Same to you and yours!
Great stuff Shannon! I especially liked In Wildness. I have a lot of room to improve with landscapes, since my natural preferences are for people and close ups.
We all have something that really calls to us. I’m actually pretty shy, so people photos are tough for me. Lol
I’m still waiting to see this shy side haha
Nice selection…
Thanks so much! 🙂
Hi Shannon- I commend you for narrowing it to five. Beautiful selection. The black and white in Acadia made me really pause and reflect as did Silk Ribbons. Happy shooting in 2015!
Thanks so much for the feedback! Happy 2015 to you as well!!
All wonderful photos! Happy New Year!
Just beautiful! My fav is In Wildness.
Thank you so much! For all of the difficulties we encountered that weekend, I still loved making it!
All very beautiful photos!
Thank you!
Mom does look at your blog. But you know this.
I did mention not to read that part. lol
Lovely selection – can’t wait to see more of your work. Enjoyed being introduced to you in Meg’s 12/12 photo show. Also liked your link to http://scrrescue.org . Wish I was in a position to adopt!
They’re a great organization. I don’t have the time to volunteer anymore, but I definitely still support and spread the word about them.
Absolutely beautiful work! I’m partial to “Bones in the Sand.” Your lines and composition are spot on and there’s something interesting to look at in every part of the image. And the title… nailed it! And I’m also partial to seascapes/shoreline photography. I’m always trying to learn more in that arena. Glad I found your blog. Wishing you many successes in 2015!
Thanks so much for the kind words! The feedback is always appreciated. 🙂
Thank you for liking my picture 🙂 just wanted to drop by and say I really like your work.
Thank you so much, Khan! I appreciate the kind words!
I really like your top 5, especially the two beach shots!
Thanks so much! 🙂
absolutely beautiful. I love woodland, mountain and sea too. We have all three where I live!! The perspective in the first is wonderful and I love the waterfall with the autumn leaves on the rock is brilliant!
Nothing better than having a variety of different terrains to shoot. I actually did ocean, waterfalls, forest and lake this weekend alone. lol
I am now a follower of your blog. You take stunning photos and am looking forward to seeing more.
I love all the photos here and my favorite is the rock with autumn leaves in foreground of the waterfall. Very nicely done.
You are lucky to live in an area where there are so many beautiful landscape opportunities.
Thanks so much for the follow, Rick! 🙂 we have a few big projects brewing too, so make sure to sign up for the newsletter too…thats where the offers and deals will be!
That leaf photo was taken in Pennsylvania, a few hours away. I do a lot of driving to find good stuff to photo…. Lol I am definitely grateful that my area of the country has so much variety and charm though. 🙂
Love the Higgins Beach bones shot. I live about 15 minutes from there and surfed there for more than 10 years before I even realized that shipwreck was there. I feel like a bit of a doof for even admitting that but just discovered it in the past few years. I stopped there the other morning but it’s all covered up with sand right now. It’s really cool when mother nature pulls the blanket off of her. For her history check this out http://scarborough.mainememory.net/page/1533/display%3Fpage=2.html
Lol I think its like that no matter where you are…there is always something to discover in your area.
I’m hoping to make it up your way again in a few weeks…any other sweet spots to photo you can suggest? 🙂
Thanks for sharing the history link! Thats awesome! 🙂
There are lots of spots all around the area. One that may be of interest is Macworth Island. It’ll depend on whether it’s icy or snowy though. Wouldn’t want you to slip on the trail if it’s icy. I almost took several diggers on a cliff walk in Scarborough recently around Prouts Neck. Hope you have great weather and get some good shots.
Thanks for the tip…I’ll look it up! And yes, I always hope for good weather. And cloudy skies for my landscapes. haha
Spectacular collection of photos.
Thank you so much! 🙂
Beautiful shots!
Thanks so much! Glad you like them! 🙂
Beautiful photos! I especially love Silk Ribbons! Thank you for sharing! 🙂
Thanks for the kind words! I appreciate the feedback! 🙂