Many of you know that I normally post every day—in 2018 I think that I missed only 12 days. I used to be really obsessive about this and would get anxious if I didn’t have an image to post. Over time, though,I have mellowed a bit and so I am not at all concerned that I write a posting on New Year’s Day.
I have been in a contemplative mood ever since I did the retrospective look at some of my favorite photos from last year. As I looked back I simultaneously looked forward. I have never been a big fan of New Year’s resolutions, but my hopes and plans for this new year can be summed up in two words “more” and “better.”
Those two words are non-specific and subjective, but for me, that is the nature of my approach to photography. I strive to spend as much time as I can in the wild, opportunistically looking for subjects. When situations present themselves, I try to react as quickly and creatively as I can.
That was the case earlier today when I visited Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Despite the partial federal government shutdown, the wildlife refuge is still open. It was a cool and gray day, and there was not too much activity. I was therefore thrilled when I spotted this Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) feverishly pecking away at a distant tree.
The woodpecker kept its head down as it circled the branch, but finally paused for a moment when it was upright and I was able to capture this shot. Although the woodpecker is relatively common, the organic shapes of the branches really caught my eye.
I’m ok with shooting familiar subjects over and over again. What about you? Some people like to live “widely,” seeing lots of different things in different places, while others prefer to live “deeply,” seeing the same places in different ways and in different seasons. I tend to be in the latter group, but recognize that each person has his/her own comfort zone.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
You must know that Benjamin will be ecstatic about this photo, it is a masterpiece! He will examine the enlarged photo from every possible angle, exploring each minute detail of this bird and branch. I often think that you would enjoy watching him examine your photos, it is so much fun. We love visiting your posts, we learn and we share our thoughts on each one. One of the things that amazed me about the favorite photos of 2018 post was how many Benjamin could identify correctly by name. Thank-you, Mr. Mike!!
It definitely would be fun to look at the images with him. He seems to love details and I suspect that he will love the shapes and textures of the tree branches as well as the colors of the birds. Benjamin seems like a remarkable child and i am honored to play a small role in educating and entertaining him and sharing my love for wildlife with a kindred soul.
I’m with you. I like seeing the familiar in new ways. And I always enjoy your photos, whether wildlife or Vienna.
Your question made me pause and reflect, Mike. I think I do a bit of both. I like the variety of subjects that present themselves in our seafarers’ life and try to capture images that reflect the wonder I feel about what we encounter. And when I find something that I am passionate about, such as underwater or bird photography, then I really drill down and keep going back for better images or different angles of the same creatures. Either way, I have fun, I learn and strive to improve.
Thanks for your very personal and very thoughtful response, Chris. I intentionally raised the issue as an either/or proposition, knowing full well that most people are a mixture of these two impulses. I like the way that you described your approach and especially the that you emphasized having fun and learning. For me it is all about having a kind of mindfulness about what I am doing.
I like new things. There are a few waterfalls I have shot more than once. But I do like seeing new places. I have a friend who goes to the same spot to shoot the same owl over and over and I admire that. I would shoot it once and look for the next myself. It is what makes photography cool. Different tastes, perspectives, etc.
Thanks for your wonderful response. One of the coolest things about photography is its diversity–it is an art and a science; it can be technical or creative; it can be analytical or intuitive. There is a place for everyone within its bounds. I also enjoy learning how others approach photography, because I am fully aware that there is no single “right” way.
This is a wonderful post, Mike. I identify with seeing the same place(s) from different angles or at different depths. I’ve always enjoyed your photos, and I suspect I always will, regardless of how often you post. I only follow a few people who post so frequently, but they all have one thing in common – they have great content to offer.
Thanks, Dan. With respect to experiencing things “deeply,” we are kindred spirits.
I love a woodpecker 🙂
While I do like to find new things to photograph and mixing it up there is a joy for me in revisiting the same places and experiencing them differently. Having learned some of the birds’ habits and the seasonal changes give fresh opportunities.
Neat Read-bellied Woodpecker standing tall on that gnarly branch! I look forward to following where “more and better” take you in 2019.