Landscape photography has always been problematic for me—it often feel like I am taking a photo without a real subject. I spend most of my time in photography trying to fill the frame with a single subject using telephoto or macro lenses, so it is hard to pull back and see the proverbial “big picture.” Sure, I realize that the actual landscape is the subject, but I have trouble “seeing” wide in my mind as I think composing a shot.
My experience in Paris changed my perspective a bit, because I took a lot of wide and even ultra-wide panoramic shots there. So last week when returned to Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, which is located less than 20 miles (32 km) from where I live, I consciously thought about capturing some of the different types of environments there.
The first shot shows one of the streams that flows through the refuge. I can often find herons, ducks, and occasionally deer along the edges of the stream. The stream is affected by tidal surges coming from the Potomac River and in this image the water level causes me to think that it was low tide.
My favorite trail runs parallel to the waters of Occoquan Bay. Small birds hang around in the vegetation at water’s edge, water birds congregate in the deeper waters, and Bald Eagles can often be found in the trees overlooking this tails. During warmer weather, this trail is a great location in which to hunt for dragonflies.
Wide trails crisscross the refuge, which used to be a military installation. The trails are off limits to the vehicles except for official ones. I never know what I might see when I walk on these trails. On occasion I will stumble upon groups of wild turkeys, flocks of migrating birds, and turtles crossing the road.
I hope that you have enjoyed this brief overview of the environment in which I have been taking so many of the insect, bird, and animal shots featured on this blog. It is good to remind myself yet again that what is familiar to me is unusual and maybe even exotic to someone in another part of the country or of the world. So periodically I will try to mix in shots like these to make it easier for you as you accompany me on my journey into photography.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Nice Mike! It is always fun to photograph different types of subjects! Helps to broaden your vision and skills. Let’s you see things in a different way!
It gives one a better idea of where it is you get all your great photos.
Nice to see your stomping ground.
I always enjoy seeing different landscapes – thank you for sharing these photos, Mike! They are beautiful! 😊
Yes, that’s a good idea Mike. I’d love to see more photos of the environment that you’re working your way through in order to get your ‘usual’ photos.
Thanks for the encouragement, Liz. My “normal” has been flipped on its head a bit after my trip to Paris. I found that I actually enjoy taking some photos of buildings and landscapes and even people, so more ones like that may creep into my blog. (On a side note, my profile on Damien has become my third most viewed posting of 400 I have done this year.)
“My ‘normal’ has been flipped on its head”. That is very true for me in a spiritual sense. What I’m learning from Bishop Jake is constantly challenging the way I look at things .. it can be very helpful to have your world turned upside-down. It’s energising to see from a new perspective (and I know I’m relating two different things here but I have a feeling you’ll understand what I mean).
I do understand, Liz, and I definitely agree. Most of us (me included) tend to be afraid of change. We get comfortable and complacent and risk-averse. Turning your world upside-down, whether by choice or by necessity, forces you to look at things differently and provides a wonderful chance to grow in new ways.
I can see why this is a favorite place, Mike.
Nice! I hope you will revisit these subjects in different seasons.
This is my favorite place to hang out with my camera. I have probably averaged two visits there a week over the course of the last few years. My personal preference is to see a few places repeatedly in different seasons and conditions rather than constantly going to different spots.
wonderful photos, nature is best model!
It certainly is. 🙂