Searching for Solitude

The Adventure:
I love the Teton’s in May. It is a time of year where the snow is releasing its grip, yet the crowds have not yet come. If you have ever photographed in this park you already know it is very much a ‘morning only’ place. Evenings are usually spent in some random turnout in hopes that the sky turns a very rare red behind the silhouette of the peaks. With no crowds, I sit on a rock wall at the ‘Snake River Overlook’ in solitude listening to the wind blow through the trees. Just here to enjoy the view, breath the fresh air, and perhaps get lucky with a red sky, but I already know that is not going to happen tonight. This is a very famous photography spot, but in May, I can be assured I will sit here alone with plenty of time to reflect and enjoy the view.
Within minutes of one another, four other photographers show up and gather right on top of me. Literally, tripod legs intertwined with tripod legs. One guy starts spouting off about how he is a ‘professional’ and starts jabbering about gear and his 3 different imaging programs he uses to process his digital images. Give me a break! He has every piece of little gear you could think of. From multiple leveling bubbles on his camera to vest and belt pouches jammed with who knows what. I did get a kick watching him spend so much time looking at his leveling bubbles, yet rarely looking through viewfinder. I couldn’t help but notice everyone around me firing shot after shot, bracket after bracket of the same composition, in less than desirable light. The whole experience was just blah!!


The Photo Lesson:
Yes, the Tetons are iconic symbols of the Rocky mountains. Which means everything has been photographed again and yet again. Although finding an original image is rare in these parts, if you search out a little solitude, away from the ‘marked overlooks’ you have a higher likelihood of being able to create images that have a deeper meaning. Otherwise, you may find yourself side-by-side other ‘professionals,’ feeling corralled into getting the same shot as them. Don’t be afraid to break away and find your own inspiration. The above image was taken the next morning (this morning actually) in complete solitude. Creating and now looking at this image reminds me of a long list of great memories I have had here in the Tetons.
You may download this image as wallpaper for your computer by clicking here, or visiting my website.