There’s
a magical thing about creating art with other people. All of a sudden,
something you normally do alone, grinding through f-stops, trying this angle or
that, pulling out different filters, the tripod, just playing becomes a shared
adventure. Don’t get me wrong, there’s little I love more than the beautiful
solitude of complete focus on photographic creation. Truly, but there was this
moment that turned that independence on its head for me.
My
husband, Pat and I had been in the car all day. Truly, all day, driving from
our home in Minnesota to a long-weekend, end-of-spring-break adventure in the
Black Hills of South Dakota. Nearing our destination, we pulled off and into
Badlands National Park to stretch and do a little exploring. Little did I know
that that would start an adventure of co-creation. Much of the rest of that
trip was spent with Pat helping to chase down the best light, to find the
perfect angles, and to try to create some amazing souvenirs and memories.
I wasn’t
really even thinking so much about my settings as the flaming sunset danced its
way across the prairie skies of Wind Cave National Park. Instead I took the
direction of my partner on this adventure.
I wasn’t
really concerned that the sky high ISO might totally grain out my cave shots.
Instead I tried to channel the wonder that we were both feeling at the
otherworldliness of these hidden spaces.
For that
trip it was about creating a set of memories that was able to capture the
excitement, the whimsy and the journey for both of us, not just a pretty
picture for myself. The more I go out and intentionally involve others in my
photography the more I seem to get out of it. It transforms from just a thing
to an event, and often an event worth remembering.
It is my pleasure to welcome today's guest blogger, Alison Bents (ajbbents). Many of you may know Alison and her wonderful photography from the "Picture" series on Big Picture and on Prompt Addicts. We are very happy to have her here! You can see more of her work by visiting her on Flickr. Please give her a warm welcome into the FOL family!
12 comments:
First of all, Alison, I want to say thank you for visiting us this morning. It's so nice to have you here! Then I want to say, "I hear you!" When we're traveling together, my husband frequently participates in the adventure of taking photos. No, he doesn't actually takes them but he has a good eye and often notices things I hadn't noticed. And, like you, I have to admit that there's a special joy in sharing this joy with him.
Dotti
Oh thanks for sharing....I have fond memories of the Badlands of SD and it's one of my first memories of photo taking and with a camera I had to look down in to capture it. If my hubby comes with me, he is always saying to me, I thought you weren't supposed to shoot into the light.... ; )
Kim
Welcome Alison! Your photos are stunning, and I can totally relate to your post. I love to get totally immersed in my photography, figuring out all the technical stuff that goes along with creating beautiful images,and then being out for hours by myself "chasing the light." But on those times that I have a companion with me, it turns into so much more. Just as you said, it's more about finding the next "cool" thing to shoot, than the technical side of a perfect picture. I too have made some great memories shooting with a companion - and hope to again real soon.
Wow...wow....WOW! Beautiful photos to go along with an inspirational post! Having someone with you to share the joy of photography albeit in a different way just goes to show us how enjoyable it can be for everyone. These photos have such depth and not just because of the vast landscape you were shooting, but because like you said it was an experience captured in your photograph. Such great memories for you and Pat! Thank you so much for joining us today!
Thanks so much for sharing with us today! Your pictures are beautiful! Sharing is always fun and sharing the creation of a treasured memory with someone dear to you is even better! Thanks for the reminder that photography is so much more than camera settings!
xo,
Linda
Alison, Because you work has always been so lovely is the reason we asked you to guest post with us... and WOW is all i tend to say when reading this and studying your photos. They are grand!!
That Bison is so fun. One winter when traveling from my home in Montana to visit family in Utah, I was driving through West Yellowstone and I came up behind one of these glorious creatures slowly walking down the middle of the highway. (the snow is so high that often there is only room for one vehicle.) I could not go around him for 10 miles... at LESS than 10 miles an hour! Ugggh. Lets just say that a Bison's rear end is embedded in my brain for ever! It's nice to see their faces so clear as your shot! :)
Hugs
Claudia
Being able to share creativity with another person is so rewarding! I loved reading about your travel adventure and your photos are exceptional! Thanks so much for taking the time to join us today and share a little of yourself with us!
Your photos are really beautiful! I have never been to the badlands - but what a beautiful scape! I love them all!
Well it is so fun to know a little bit more about you! I so agree with what you are saying. Your pictures are amazing.
As much as I love getting out alone and really being able to focus on my photography, sharing it with another person is very special. How sweet that your husband shared this adventure with you! Loved all of your photos and it really makes me want to take a trip to that part of the country! Thanks so much for sharing this with us and for being with us today.
Thanks so much Alison for joining us with your beautiful images of the "badlands". I have never been there, but your photos push me in that direction. I agree, it is fun to share special times with special people, eventho I do enjoy my alone photo time too, going where I want and spending as much time as needed to capture whatever grabs my len's attention.
Wonderful to see you here, Alison. I'm catching up with my blog reading. Your shots always rock my boat, good rocking.
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