Standing Firm
Spring seemed to come early this year, especially after an almost non-existent winter. This seems to be the pattern in the past few years, the seasons seems confused, not unlike many of us with all that has been going on in the world. We have all endured some very trying times in the last few years. From loss of income and jobs to health issues and housing problems and mounting debt and wars, these tribulations have tired and tested all of us. I could go on about the hardships that have befallen me and Organic Light Photography, but what good can come out of self-pity? The important thing is that we are all still here, standing firm in the face of the onslaught, unwavering and resolute. Doing what we are supposed to do, fulfilling our destiny and meeting our fate with patience and contentment. I applaud all of you who have stood firm and weathered the storm.
Standing Firm
This was the sentiment I felt when I saw and photographed this photo titled ‘Standing Firm’. The torrent of water rushing at this small delicate tree from all sides and its almost deafening roar would be enough to rattle any resolve. However, it has taken root in firm, unyielding, solid granite and with that as its foundation, finds the wherewithal to continue in its growth not bothered in the least by the madness rushing past it.
I do not find images to make photographs of; they find me. They do so at exactly the right time when I need to see them and capture them that I may benefit from the message they are conveying and in turn pass it forward to all of you. It is strange in that I have passed by this location more times than I can count and never once stopped to photograph. However as it turned out this time, I was not passing by. I decided on traveling up the Merced River canyon on a tip that wildflowers were blooming along the river. Therefore, I made a day trip of it and discovered nothing of the sort in the way of flowers. So, I continued up the canyon not intending going into Yosemite National Park at all, only to find myself at the park entrance. It was still early in the season so I did not expect to see much in the Valley and again had no intention on going down into it. Nevertheless, I drove in, pulled over at Cataract Falls, and walked around a bit.
The water flow was pretty heavy and I started to wonder where this water was coming from. It then occurred to me that this water was probably the run off from Cascade and Tamarack Creeks that intersect Big Oak Flat Rd. that leads into the park from the North. So, I decided to go up and take a look. It was that wondering that brought me to make the Cascade Creek bridge over crossing a destination rather than just a place that I passed going into and out of the park. It was not particularly crowded although many people were there stopping, looking and taking snapshots with everything from SLR cameras to iPads and phones. No one bothered once to look down over the bridge while I was there making ‘Standing Firm’.
I was very excited about this photo and made it with both the large format camera on film as well as with the digital camera. The version posted here, as well as other places on the web, is the digital version. Once the film version arrives, I will post that one as well in the hopes of having more detail and texture throughout. The photo has potential as it has already been selected as the Editor’s Weekly Pick on NaturePhotographers.net, the premier nature photography site on the internet.
So with that, enjoy what remains of spring, get out there, and find some inspiration for your self.
Peace
