So I had an awesome photo shoot on Thursday. I was driving home from class when I was suddenly stuck by this wooded area atop a hill that I've only driven past 483,203,430 or so times. Only on this day it was so awe inspiring that I felt compelled to go there. It was all fresh green grass and bare gnarly trees and backed by a dark overcast sky. Some months before my dad had told me that he had been up there hunting (apparently he knows the people who own it.) He also mentioned that there was a small pioneer cemetery which only added to the mystique. After stopping at home to change and get prepared I set out. I parked in a nearby town, if you can call it that (population maybe 50?) and then followed the old railroad tracks for perhaps a quarter miles before cutting across a field to get to my destination. Thanks to my dad's directions though, I ended up on the wrong side of a creek and had to cross it on a log that I didn't trust very much. Of course the creek was only like 6 feet across and maybe 2 feet deep. I just didn't want to get wet that's all. The wooded area was even more stunning once I was in it. I've already briefly described it., but what's harder to describe is the effect that the place had on me. It's was peaceful to the highest extent. It had this soul cleansing ability that just made me forget about everything troublesome. Semester finals, guys, and dirty dishes…simply did not exist on this hill. For the three hours I spent there, I forgot that the rest of the world existed. I have to confess here, that I spent a good 15 minutes just taking in the scene and even frolicking for pure amusement before even unpacking my camera. For the pictures, I decided to use myself as a model for various reasons. For one, I am having difficulties finding anyone else for the job. It's also hard to find someone who will take it seriously. A lot of times when I take people on photo shoots all they want to do is take cool myspace pics. Sorry but the funny faces and peace signs just ain't workin' for me. It's also hard to find people on such short notice, who are willing to hike, and who have the patience I require. Plus, I just think I had the right 'look' for this shoot. So for now it's set up the camera, set the self timer, run and pose, run back to the camera, check the pictures, reposition the camera, retake the pictures…it's quite exhausting! It seems that all that work paid off though because I'm quite satisfied with the results. The pictures are not just about nature or just about people. It's a balance of nature and people, people in nature, and the effects of each upon the other, which seems to be a common theme in my photography. I think the outfit was also a good choice. Very natural but I think the touch of red added just enough contrast. And the windswept hair and lack of shoes completed the look. Running around and frolicking barefoot for the camera like that made me feel like a freak of nature though (like literally, nature!!) But enough for now! Time to upload the results…