This week, I’ve been looking back at some of my old images from 2011. This has been rewarding for a couple of reasons:
- I was finding new images that I liked but which I previously haven’t processed.
- I found myself remembering my excitement when capturing a wonderful scene.
This shot at dawn, of the mist rolling in over Corfe Castle in Dorset, is a great example.
Today, whilst I would enjoy witnessing and photographing a scene like this, I wouldn’t find it rewarding in the same way that I did in 2011. What I’ve come to realise is that the images I gain the greatest sense of achievement from are the ones that could be anywhere. Take this example.
I shot this on my recent trip to Cornwall when walking through some woodland. It could be anywhere, yet I found it rewarding to spot and capture. The shape of the trees, the shadows and the light on the bridge all combined to make me think there is a picture here. I took a moment to capture it and then the light changed, and the moment was gone.
I remember wondering at the time if I had imagined the scene briefly looking good.
It’s also interesting to think back to when I first became interested in photography. I would often see images like this in books and wonder “What was the photographer thinking. It’s just a path, bridge and trees. There’s nothing worth photographing.”
How things change.
I hope you like the image and have a great weekend.
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The Lightweight Photographer 
Hi Robin
I like both pictures. The first one because of the captured moment with the clouds – in my country such weather is rather seldom, therefore I imagine the capture is product of a lot of luck. Maybe I am mistaken and such phenomenons are your daily bread… The second reason I like the picture is that I am fan of history.
When I was younger, there were times the second picture would not be something I would look at twice, but since I retired and spend my time mostly in the mountains in fairly simple conditions with enough time just to look at things, ponder this and that, I like this kind of images and try them myself. A question of age – pardon of wisdom nearing? 😉
Take care and best regards, Robert
Hi Robert, nice to know that you like both shots. The mist in the valley surrounding the castle isn’t something that happens regularly in this country other than at certain times of year and in certain locations/weather conditions. You need to be up early to catch it. The other thing to consider I suppose is that I derive some of my pleasure with the second image from knowing that I captured something I like in a less than spectacular location.
You are right of course. When we reach a certain level of experience/knowledge (sorry, sounds bombastic, but I am in want of proper words) we tend to acknowledge, that what seems to be „nice“ (the word nice does not quite express the deeper meaning) to us is more of importance than spectacularity or fashion. The core is important.