It was almost like I had heard Jeff Curto’s words in my head, although I didn’t actually hear them until we got home. Jeff’s most recent podcast talks about it isn’t necessary to travel long distances or to exotic locations to make interesting photographs. Give it a listen if you don’t already subscribe. And you know you should. 😉
Kathy and I decided to spend a nice late-fall Sunday afternoon at Latta Plantation Nature Preserve, a county park near Huntersville, North Carolina and about 8 miles from our house. We packed a picnic lunch, laced up our hiking shoes and spent a couple of hours wandering the trails along Mountain Island Lake, the lake that we live close to, but not at. It’s not Lake Superior, but it’s what we’ve got. 🙂
We’ve been to Latta a number of times over the years, and I’ve made lots of photographs there. But it had been a while. There are things to see and photograph at all times of the year, but I have often sold it short since it is – as Jeff alluded to – in our “back yard.”
Kathy & I had already decided that we’re going to stick close to home for the next few months, and are planning to get out and explore our own area. I’ve said for years that I like to be a “tourist in my own town” but have never sat still long enough to give it a chance. Sounds like now is as good a time as any!
I can relate to what you mean, “tourist in my own town.” We so often do not explore the miraculous world at our own door. I feel I’ve done more of that the past 5 or 10 years. Love the third and last images! Have fun exploring!
I know you’re a fan of tree portraits…I thought of that as I was composing the photo. 😉 It was one of the few trees I saw with red leaves left on it, and the yellow leaves in the background made for a nice combination.
Hey… thanks for the promo! 🙂
Your “backyard” looks pretty great, too. Frankly, I think everyone’s is.
There are some super-nice images here – especially the low-angle leaf and the lone “still leafed” tree. Lovely stuff.
Yeah, all dozen of my readers. 😉 Of course they are all wonderful readers so I’m happy to share!
The low angle is when I’m happy to have an articulating screen. It articulates better than I do!
When I took the shot of the red berries I used a tree stump as a “tripod” and Kathy reminded me of how, during our visit to Pieve di Corsignano, you commented to the group about my technique for holding the camera steady during longer exposures. The lessons go on! 🙂