Taking the sunset boat cruise was an ideal way to view the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on Lake Superior. The cruise leaves the dock a couple of hours before sunset and returns just after sunset. The boat went slowly along the shoreline with the attractions on the right side as the guide told stories about the various formations.
I left most of my photography until the return trip when the sun was lower in the sky and the light reflected off the rocks intensifying both the textures and colours. Since I planned it this way, I sat on the left side of the boat and just enjoyed the trip on the way out, and took all my photos on the return trip. The only problem with this, in hindsight, was that the boat travelled faster on the way back.
Was I lazy for not taking photos in both directions? I feel that it is necessary to take time to experience the landscape and appreciate what I am seeing before I can decide how I want to create my image. I have to give myself a chance to feel something about the landscape in front of me before I can decide how to approach the creation of the image so I know what I want the image to convey. I have to leave the camera in its bag for awhile.
During the trip out, I was struck by the rugged power of the landscape with its sharp edges, carved out caves and fallen boulders so I tried to bring out those elements in the images.
Totally agree Anne. In the past I’ve described it likt this.
When you first see a landscape it’s like going on a first date. Everything feels so awkward. You want to get to know the person fully but you know you will run out of time soon.
It take a few dates to get to know them, to fully understand them and appreciate them. Although you could have fallen in love with how he or she LOOKS from day 1, to get to know them and feel them deep in your heart takes a while.
But when you truly and deeply understand the person, THEN real love and friendship is established.
Seems weird but it is the same with landscapes. I love to discover new areas. BUT my senses get to that overload zone rather quickly. It’s like I’m getting an overdose of info and it always makes me feel bad because I have to make decisions on where and when to go and I know I can not do everything at once (although I would love to be able to do that).
I am going to NS and I am afraid for that sensory overload again. Fingers crossed.
Great Post!
That is so funny!! I really got a laugh out of it, but you are totally right. An excellent analogy. It’s exactly how I felt when I got to Miner’s Beach. It was so beautiful but the sun was going down and I could only afford to go in one direction and I had to make a decision. I was in a rush the whole time and it is so much more enjoyable when you get to take your time and get to know your date 🙂
Thanks for the great comments!
I do this sort of pre-shoot scouting myself all the time, Anne. It allows you to focus on the job at hand when you finally put the camera into your grip there. These are fabulous shots, my friend!
Thanks Scott. Yes, going out without your camera at all is quite valuable. It’s so much harder when you only have limited time in a place and you almost feel obligated to shoot. I’m so glad that now we have crossed the continent (we’re in the maritimes now) we can go at a more relaxed pace. We just wanted to get across before the heat got to the central areas. Thanks for the compliment!
Beautiful images Anne and a good point about seeing with the mind’s eye before picking up the camera.
Thank you Russ, I appreciate the comments.
Great images and blog Anne.
Thank you Kathy, and thanks for visiting the blog!
Great points Anne. I am a believer in doing legwork up front picking up the best angles and light. Great shots despite being on a faster return trip. I know how hard it is after spending two weeks in Alaska on moving trains, planes and boats.
Thanks Len. I think it is always better to do a scouting trip first without the pressure of trying to make a great image. Then you have a better chance of making a great image when the time comes. Having said that, if you have limited time when you go back the conditions may not be the same. So it is a toss up!