I was a photographer that walked in the Scott Kelby Worldwide Photowalk on October 6th. My group met and mingled in the little Mississippi River town of Grafton Illinois. Although these walks have been happening worldwide for the past eleven years, this was my first time participating. Kelby created the event as a means to benefiting the Springs of Hope Orphanage in Najuru, Kenya. Here’s a link to the website for more information, https://worldwidephotowalk.com/.
Signs, signs, everywhere a sign…
Since this was my first photowalk event, I didn’t know what to expect. I knew from what I’d seen online that many photographers who participate prefer Street Photography. I make no claims to being a someone who shoots that genre, but I decided that I’d go into the experience with an open mind. As it turned out, I learned that I could just be myself and shoot the images that make me happiest. That loosened me up to just enjoy the experience. I met and conversed with folks who live in the town of Grafton, walked down pathways that visitors were traveling, and for a few brief moments even became a wedding photographer!
Just Married!A Private Moment
When it comes to making images, I have a tendency to be a bit of a loner. It’s not that I’m anti-social, I just usually go solo on my adventures into photo making. It helps me to concentrate and ‘see’ things that I otherwise would miss. But, that’s what pleasantly surprised me about being with my group on Saturday. We were a band of six, and given the size of the town, that was a perfect number,.. small but mighty. I had the time and opportunity to be alone, but also enjoyed being with the others too. That’s a good thing, because it pushed my boundaries a little bit further out.
Bride and her ‘Posse’
At the end of the afternoon, we all met at a local ‘Oyster Bar’ restaurant for a debrief and dinner. This was my absolute favorite part, because I got to know everybody a little bit more. It was rewarding to just relax and enjoy birds of a feather talk with folks who see life through a wide spectrum of lenses. I hope I get the opportunity to be on a photo shoot with them again sometime. They’re good photographers, and really good people too. Win/win! Check out their work by following this link; https://www.facebook.com/groups/1129537113878003/
All in all it was a fun activity that brought us together, and shines light on a great cause. It’s also great way to explore a city or town in the company of others. If you ever get the chance, I highly recommend that you give the Kelby Worldwide Photowalk a go… you’ve got a whole year yet to the next walk!
Looking Forward, Looking BackMississippi River Lighthouse EchoesHarley Momma crossing by ferry.
Last October I attended a Great Smoky Mountains National Park photography workshop with the renowned nature, wildlife, travel Photographer Richard Bernabe, https://www.richardbernabe.com/workshops/. In the weeks leading up to this trip, I told my friends that I was going on a trip of a lifetime. That was a true statement at the time, because I had never attended a photography workshop before, and it had been at least 20 years since I had spent any significant amount on a vacation.
The workshop began on a Thursday afternoon at 3:00 PM, and after some brief introductions we all car-pooled off following behind Richard’s car in our four assorted vehicles. Of course with it being late October, and being the Smoky Mountains, it was overcast and drizzling when we arrived at our first destination.
As we all piled out of our vehicles, I scanned the group making quick assessments as to where I fit in with this new group of photographers. Some appeared to already know Richard, and I learned over our time together at a group dinner that evening, that indeed, they were repeat participants. About half the group had been through other workshops with Richard before. This fascinated me, and I pondered the idea of why people would repeat? I’d soon learn why!
Richard’s Tree
The following two and a half days were nothing short of incredible! With Richard guiding our path, each and every stop we made was more breathtaking then the last. I’d seen beauty in nature before, but witnessing it through the eyes of a photographer with a respected and illustrious career, brought a heightened sense of purpose to my photography, and beauty to me personally. As an example, we had a sunrise shoot scheduled at Ocanoluftee Outlook. We arrived there in time so that we had the prime spots for our tripods and gear packs. It was very dark, windy, and so cold that hand warmers were the hot commodity! As the morning sky started to lighten and the mountains before us went from black to dark greens, the excitement, expectations, and urgency for getting the shot grew. The eastern sky lightened more, and Richard began shouting out his get ready countdown. And then after all the build-up of anticipation, the sun peaked over the mountainous horizon, spilling glorious colors of ambers, peach, and subtle yellows across the sky. I fired my shutter off to what seemed like a million frames, I didn’t want to miss one second of this glorious show! My face seemed to be getting colder at one point, so I put my hand up to my cheeks to add a little warmth, which is when I noticed that my face was wet. The event had been so moving and visually spectacular for me, – that I hadn’t realized that I had been weeping!
Sunrise at Ocanolufftee Outlook
Every stop after that was just as inspirational and appealing. We went to waterfalls and rapids, tall straight tree tops, Clingman’s Dome for a sunset, and a section of the Cades Cove Loop. If one needed assistance with composition, and in some cases camera settings, Richard was there to help and guide. He shared skills and techniques that were new to many, including one experimental technique involving a longer shutter exposure and dragging the camera while the shutter is open. I’m ashamed to say that I didn’t display a very excited demeanor over this technique, but have now grown rather fond of the results of those images… My apologies Richard!! I hope you’ll forgive my short sightedness on that one?
Tall Straight TreesThe woods are lovely…Capturing SunStars
Another moment that was compelling for me was at a waterfall. It was down a fairly steep trail with slippery rocks and roots to step over. I had backed off, thinking that the vantage point was beyond my navigating skillset, given my particular challenges of bad knees, etc. I happily watched as the other photographers made their way down to the waterfall in groups of no more than two at a time. As everyone else had had their turn, I heard Richard call out my name. I responded by saying that I didn’t think I would be able to handle the trail. Richard’s response? “Absolutely not, I don’t take no for an answer!” So together we made our way down and back up that trail, while he instructed me on where to put my feet, and how to use three points of contact as I walked. And guess what happened? I shot some of the best images of my life! I was never in danger, and he patiently walked me through my apprehensions. Woohoo!
Smoky Mountain WaterfallRichard helping with compositionRichard offers adviceOne of the spectacular waterfallsThe darkening gray blue sky at Clingman’s Dome before a sunset…
Thank you to all the workshop leaders out there that are willing to share their knowledge, and guide those that need a little push, or help those to find their focus. Before my workshop experience, I had called it a once in a lifetime trip, and it was! I discovered things within myself as a photographer. I pushed my envelope of what was challenging to my comfort level. I learned skills and techniques that has improved my outdoor nature images. I gained great friends through the camaraderie of car-pooling and shooting together. We still stay in touch through social media. And, I have come to realize that it wasn’t a once in a lifetime trip, I’m planning to go on more workshop trips in the future. It was however, a life changing trip. I see the world differently through my camera lens now. I returned home a totally different, improved, renewed photographer.
I found my mojo, at this Great Smoky Mountains National Park workshop. I was looking for an opportunity to jump start my inspiration. I felt like I had exhausted the boundaries of home through many hours of shooting. I was challenged to find different ways to photograph the familiar that would be inspirational to myself and others. I found all of these things and more. I offer up a huge thank you to Photographer Richard Bernabe . I am enriched!
I had the great fortune of camping the last week of June in the beautiful locale of the Arcadia Valley in Missouri. Anytime I get to go camping, I’m automatically in my happy place, so imagine my excitement to be camping where I was surrounded by beautiful landscapes. As a Photographer, I was overwhelmed with the breathtaking scenery and the amazing opportunities for landscape photography. Every stop I made, I was inspired by “eye candy”. I had to pace myself, remembering that I would have a full week to capture every image my heart desired! My shutter finger was busy, and I was grateful that I carried with me two camera batteries.
If you’ve never been to the Ozark’s Arcadia Valley, I recommend that you go, especially if you enjoy Americana subject matter, and historical landmarks. Even if you’re not a photographer, the imprinted memories in your minds eye will last a lifetime!
Johnson Shut-ins from the top of the mountain.Alley Mill National ParkMammoth Springs, ArkansasFalling Spring
I hope to return again someday to capture more images, and perhaps a shoot time in a different season of the year. And the best part is, there are still more locations that I didn’t get to shoot. So the next time, I’ll push a little deeper into the Ozark’s and discover more hidden gems! I can hardly wait, but good things are worth waiting for!
The owners of Big Creek RV Park,…. and Roxy, Greeter!
I spent the last week of June in the Arcadia Valley of MO this year, on a photographic assignment, and I returned each night to my peaceful campsite at Big Creek RV Park.
My peaceful campsite at Big Creek RV Park
Camping at Big Creek RV Park is a relaxing experience, because of it’s quiet family oriented atmosphere. The campground sits along the banks of 3 inch deep, spring fed Big Creek, which is inviting to wade into on a hot summer’s day. There’s nothing like the sound of a calm, harmonious babbling creek!
Big Creek, its just a few inches deep, but offers refreshing adventures!
The staff are friendly, welcoming, and work diligently to keep the grounds in tip top shape. There is a pool that is conveniently situated in the center of the park, and sits directly behind the activities building. The individual private bathroom and shower suites are also located in the activities building with outside access. I was really impressed with the cleanliness of the facilities. It’s obvious that the owners care about their guest’s experiences while staying at their park.
Big Creek RV Park is in a great location, and is fairly close to the Ozark’s Johnson Shut-Ins, Elephant Rocks, and the Black River, which offers the opportunities for float trips. Also within an hours distance are Rocky Falls (another shut-ins area), the Current River, Alley Springs, and many more Ozark Valley adventures.
Johnson Shut-Ins
If you’re heading to the Ozark’s and are looking for a great campground to spend some time at with a family atmosphere, I highly recommend Big Springs RV Park! If you think of it, give Roxy a scruff behind her ears, and tell Patty that Leslie @ Out Chasing Light says “Hi”!
Big Springs RV Park is located at 47247 MO-49, Annapolis, MO phone 573-598-1064. One can visit their website at www.bigcreekrvpark.com