If you saw last weeks video you know I reconnected with nature for three days in the Thompson Okanagan. In todays video I wanted to share with you some of the lessons the trip taught me.
Getting Back to Morning Photography
Three or four months ago (at the beginning of Spring) I started doing morning photography sessions. I had always been a sunset person but I wanted to give sunrise a chance. I ended up falling in love with them, but then I had to isolate at the beginning of June and I lost momentum for going out in the mornings. However, on this trip I woke up every day at 6:00 AM to do a morning session and it was wonderful! It was beautiful, peaceful, serene.
It was an amazing reminder on how awesome morning sessions are.
Doing More Nature Photography
Due to the direction I took with the Summer in the Okanagan (my seasonal photography collection) I’m more in the city, more where people are at so I haven’t been doing a lot of “nature” type photography. However, this trip got me thinking that I need to do more nature photography. Why? Because I feel so at peace when I was out there.
Going Back to a Simple Setup
After my one lens challenge ended at the end of June I went back to using my full gear. On this trip I brought my camera backpack and all of my lenses. However, when out I felt like I was missing the simplicity, the minimalism I was feeling in June.
A part of my problem I think was my bag. The only camera bag I own where I can bring my water bottle with me is my camera backpack. But it seems silly to bring a giant backpack with only one lens and camera body and a water bottle. So I stuff everything into the bag.
In the autumn and winter I won’t likely need to bring a water bottle but with being in summer, it’s necessary. It hovers around 35 degrees on the daily, and it was 42 during the heat wave.
Going forward I want to look at going back to a simple setup.
Doing a One Lens Challenge with All of My Lenses
In June I did a one lens challenge with my Olympus 25mm F1.8 and I really enjoyed the challenge and the benefits. So starting in September I want to do a one lens challenge with all of my lenses, starting with the M.Zuiko 7-14mm F2.8 because it’s my least used lens.
Honing in Again on Intimate Landscape Photography
I’ve done a previous video on Intimate Landscape Photography but I found with my current seasonal project, and doing nature photography that I was being drawn back to the minimalism, the use of negative space, intimate scenes.
Implementing Regular Mini-Breaks
Those three days that I was camping gave me room to think, breathe and reflect on what’s important and get ideas. I did some work but majority of the time I was doing photography in the morning, spending time with family, going out on the paddle board and in general enjoying the summer and camping. However, that break away in nature gave me room. So I’m thinking of implementing this mini-break into regular practice because I think there are benefits there that need exploring.
Working WITH the Smoke Instead of AGAINST It
While I was camping it was smokey for majority of the time. Photographically, I didn’t mind. I found the smokey conditions made me focus on layers, lines and shapes, and I was using the atmosphere conditions to create a blank canvas. I did my best to work with the conditions, not against it.
I really enjoyed my three-day trip to the Thompson Okanagan. Nature taught me some valuable lessons that I’m going to carry forward with me! Leave me a comment on the channel if you’ve been camping this summer and if nature has taught you anything recently.
Happy Photographing!
Beautifully Wander | Robynne Ikesaka