I continued to ponder the different factors that led to my discontent:  too early for fall leaves, so all the trees varied only in different tones of green; the midday time slot discouraged wildlife sightings (not even a bunny!); uncooperative dragonflies successfully eluded me over the pond; field wildflowers were less than spectacular.  And the people, people, people.  Hands, legs, feet and sometimes heads were jumping in and out of whatever photo I was attempting to capture.

Yet in the “plus” category, there were horses decked out in Native American splendor, historic revolvers, donkeys, a functional spinning wheel busily creating yarn; a fine “Indian chief” and “cowboy” representation, popping corn being popped over an open fire, horseshoeing demonstration, a branding iron display, pleasant weather, and other activities.

When I started asking myself specific questions like, why didn’t you have someone aim a revolver at you and take a macro shot; why didn’t you do interesting closeup photos of the truly elegant Chief headdress, why didn’t you keep experimenting for that perfect angle of the spinning wheel….my answer came up the same:  the people, people, people. 

I underestimated the sense of “crowd intimidation” I would experience. Being “one of the crowd” seriously inhibited the photo set-up chances I was willing to take, and you will likely discover the same pressures in a similar circumstance. 

What I learned:  A “moving with the crowd” setting imposes fairly strict parameters, and it is difficult to be bold or innovative.  If you are familiar with the event, try to go earlier or stay later to allow for crowd-free interaction and the potential for personalized attention.  Explain your purpose when half a dozen other voices aren’t speaking simultaneously.  

Reflection on Dragonfly Pond Secondly:  examine the event surroundings for creative perspective.  I captured lovely reflections on the same pond where I unsuccessfully stalked dragonflies.  And in the tall grasses surrounding the parking lot, I discovered the biggest “puff balls” I had ever seen, and created some really interesting photos. dandelion buried in grass

I was a bit disappointed, yes.  But I also discovered that my photo event was not the event I came to photograph…and pulling away from the crowd freed my ability to look at subjects with increased creative perspective.

If I take a photo with the sky sporting medium-rose highlights as the sun sets, I want the finished version of my sky to portray shades of medium-rose, not darker, not lighter...just the way I saw it and captured it. 

Unfortunately, I have discovered that isn’t always a realistic practice in producing a memorable, eye-catching photo that stands out from other similar shots.  I am, therefore, starting to see a value in adding certain “enhancements,” particularly regarding small imperfections that mar a perfectly acceptable, maybe even slightly exceptional, photo.

Case in point, animal shots that include an unfortunate fence in the background, or some other obvious sign of captivity.

I am not likely to be heading out on Safari anytime soon, nor on a guided “wildlife tour” in a famous location.  However, as I looked at past photos with new-possibility eyes, I discovered a couple of treasures.  Enter the goat, the bobcat, and the bear.  I will focus on the bear.

As you will notice in this first photo, the bear is clearly in a fenced enclosure.  And he is HOT!  I loved the brown and red highlights in his fur, those are his natural coloration.  And I thought the direction of his face was pretty excellent….but had dismissed the photo years ago for anything except trip memorabilia due to the fence and washed out grass from the excess sunlight.

But l studied his expression, still loved the fact he was looking directly at me, and started editing to see if I could turn the “unacceptable” into a product of note.  The second photo ended up as my final result, and makes a most satisfactory 11x14” aluminum panel. black and brown bear

If I can do it, you can do it!  Take a fresh look at some of those past photos and see if you can recognize some genuine potential.

The rich, brilliant hue of the orange Asiatic Lily never ceases to amaze me.  More importantly, I have never met a more camera-friendly face.  From bud-to-winter-freeze, the speckled petals, deep green leaves and beautifully distinct stamen all lend themselves to attractive photos taken from any angle.  

Each of these flowers breathes out an exotic persona.  Give their size and opulence, they also tend to dominate anything placed near them.  For a Victorian or feminine feel to a still life, go simple--maybe pair with baby's breath, a draped string of pearls or a coordinated scarf, a crystal or bright vase. 

The robust hardiness of these flowers can also handle a more rugged pairing.  I can see them complementing western boots, oil cans, tools or lanterns, old ammunition boxes or weathered wood.

While they are still in their season of growth and bloom, however, capture all the abundant beauty they can generate in their natural setting. 

A word of caution if you live in a chipmunk-thriving area...cover your lily buds with a sun-permitting cloth or mesh to prevent the little chippies from eating every bloom that comes up. 

In the aftermath of a front-deck chipmunk invasion, I was left with only a single surviving bloom, this year!  So sad! single asiatic lily