Isolating a wonderland
For most photographers the wonderland we know as the Adirondack Mountains, or the Adirondack State Park, presents some big challenges and for many just deciding what to shoot can present somewhat of a dilemma. Why? Because of the sheer volume of subjects that the region regularly has on display.
Sometimes, being a contrarian means you get an image others may have overlooked. It did for Chuck.
To those participating in last weekend’s Fall in the Adirondacks tour/workshop this challenge was real despite the fact that we limited our efforts to a relatively compact area within a half-hour’s drive of the Village of Long Lake. A promotional piece for the workshop might have touted inspiring sunsets, majestic sunrises, challenging mountain streams and the whole pallet of color that the Adirondacks is known for in autumn. That, alone, could keep us busy for days…okay, for weeks and even months.
As our tour participants found out however, this was just the beginning. Taking the admonition to “isolate their subjects and simplify their compositions” to heart, this enthusiastic group of photographers quickly corralled a broad variety of images. As you can see from the small selection of images here “isolate and simplify” can produce special images.
A artful capture of a single leaf and its shadow was found by Tommy, while searching where others weren't looking.
I accused Chuck Letterman of being a contrarian when I saw him focused on the stand of trees in the image here. Why? Well, I was joking but at the same time pointing out a trait that any nature photographer can benefit from exploiting…making the effort to look where others are not looking. In this case we were at Buttermilk Falls, just outside of Long Lake, NY. I find it difficult to even drive near the falls without stopping to add to my collection of images captured here over the past several year. Seldom do I ever see anyone set up a tripod with his or her back to the falls. Contrary to every other photographer who was focused on the falls, Chuck was focusing on this stand of trees. It certainly paid off.
Fortunately, as the weekend played-out I discovered a whole gaggle of contrarians. Tommy Dimorier, for example, stepped into the role on more than one occasion. While others were chasing fall colors, Tommy was zeroing in on lines and textures. He was captivated by the shadow a single leaf breaking the surface of a peaceful lake.
Chuck let the reeds in the flats lead his eye to the sunlit horizon.
Earlier, both photographers couldn’t resist running the roadside, chasing the light as the sun climbed above “the flats” just outside of Tupper Lake. Chuck found success even before the sun made its appearance. Tommy was captivated by the slightest twinkle of the sun as it began its rise.
There were other images that we’ll get to see in the days ahead. Each one documenting a special moment in the life of a photographer.
For certain, each photographer went home after the weekend with a collection of iconic Adirondacks in the Fall images in his or her collection. I’m still waiting for each participant to submit favorite images. When I get them (which is supposed to happen before this weekend is over) I’ll select one image from each photographer’s “favorites” and post them here so that you can vote for your favorite. The winner will be awarded a $100 gift certificate from the MQ Camera Center, in Syracuse, NY. So be sure to stop back over the next week or so and vote for your favorite image.
And, thanks to Chuck and Tommy for sharing their beautiful images.