There is a stretch of salt marsh on Amelia Island that I photograph regularly. I visit the island many times each year and drive pass this stretch daily when I’m there. It’s one of my go-to places—partly because it is beautiful and partly because it is easy to pull over, park and make photographs from the sidewalk. (I realize this story would be more entertaining if I slogged through wetlands—battling mosquitoes, crabs and gators along the way—to reach a secret, remote location.) Nonetheless, I never tire of this view.
Making photographs here always reminds me of the importance of visiting favorite locations often—at different times of day, in different light, in different seasons, over the years and when there are interesting weather conditions. I find this especially true of coastal areas where the tide is constantly altering the landscape, as well.
Despite having photographed this salt marsh many times over the years, I’ve never seen it look quite like this. The low tide, the tawny grasses, the light just before sunset and the filtering of that light by clouds from a passing storm all came together to create this scene. Ten minutes later, the light was gone.
Revisiting favorite places is one of the advantages of photographing close to home or in places we visit regularly. After all, there is a certain amount of serendipity involved when it comes to landscape photography. No matter how well we plan, how early we get up or how late we stay out with our cameras, we can’t control the changing light, weather and other natural phenomena. We can only be prepared and be there when something interesting happens.
Upcoming online course
Photographing Close to Home
Six weeks beginning April 7
Exploring places close to home can result in especially intimate and meaningful photographs because of the deep connections we have to them. And nearby landscapes are more accessible than travel destinations, so we can visit there often—in different light, in changing seasons and over time. Photography is a great way to explore and get to know a new place better or to share our intimate knowledge of places we have known our entire lives. But how do we photograph the familiar? And overcome those things that keep us from getting out with our cameras? This six-week course offers an opportunity to slow down, overcome inertia, look at the place we live in new ways, and develop strategies for developing meaningful bodies of work.
Just so beautiful Lee Anne, the lighting , texture and depth really make me want to stay with this photograph! Having taken your photographing close to home course was such a game changer for me. It was so beneficial to learn that one needn’t travel far to make art in “ your own back yard” So to say! I truly began to see in a new way and spend much more time observing and composing before clicking my shutter!
I have oftentimes felt overwhelmed with my photography - the very thing that gives me such joy and peace. Trying to get to different places, learn new techniques, etc etc, at times can be too much. So I decided my focus this year would be to be more intentional. Photographing these places that I go by each day or weekly and trying to really "see" what is there. Taking time with one photograph - and not rushing to the next thing. Your photographs and your writing inspire me to do just that. I am going back to your photographing plants in the studio class - and doing some of the lessons that I missed due to work. In fact, once I made that decision to be more intentional and to slow down, the Santa Fe workshop popped up in my feed and I knew that was exactly what I need to do this summer. I registered right away. I look forward to seeing you there!