Atmosphere in Your Photos

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     I love atmospheric elements in my photos, and I especially enjoy images that display fog. Here in southeastern Tennessee, we often get dense fog early in the morning filling the mountain valleys. It creates a mood and a kind of softbox lighting effect that lends itself to great photographic images. Of course, the trick is to push yourself out the door and use this fog to your advantage. Over the years, I have trained myself to hit the trails when I awaken to fog. It's a kind of jackpot win for me, when these conditions reveal themselves. I instinctively know that "today it is possible." With the conditions in place, I have a chance of capturing something meaningful.......something that will translate my vision to the viewer, and I think that is what all of this is about.  I hope you'll all agree that this mornings' shoot was worthwhile. Now clean off your gear and get out there !

Savannah Sunrise

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      The fall is a busy time for me. I spend most of the fall season traveling throughout the country exhibiting and selling my photography. It's tough to find the time to fit in some meaningful shooting, but over the years I have managed to identify a few very special places that allow me to use my down time wisely. One of those places is Savannah Wildlife Refuge, located just outside of the city of Savannah, Georgia. It's one of those locations that simply calls you back over and over again, and it rarely disappoints.

    

     The most important thing for a photographer is Light. My personal preference is the angular light of a morning sunrise. With the right conditions, this can be a magical time for a photographer, or it can just be a time to spend alone with your own thoughts. Either way.....you win.

     Last month, while doing an exhibit in Savannah, I used the time to capture several shots that I personally find satisfying. This Savannah Sunrise shot conveys much of what I am trying to do with my photography. It's a "painterly" image of the marsh at its' best. The combination of morning light and the clouds of the cool morning combine to create an image that invites the viewer to experience the marsh in an intimate way. As a photographer, moments like this give me great pleasure and leave me with a sense of accomplishment. When a day starts like this, you have to love what you do and be thankful. I am a lucky man.