Top 5 of 2014

Bones in the Sand :: Maine

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 :: Vermont

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

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

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.

 

Silk Ribbons :: Ricketts Glen, PA

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

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