Friday, February 19, 2016

Didn't Intend


I didn't intend to stop at the beach yesterday. Now those of you who follow me on Instagram are probably saying "Yah right Sarah, you go to the beach everyday". But I really don't, I go on Mondays every week, and maybe one or two other times during the week in the winter. Now summer is a different story, but we are a long way from summer.

My intention yesterday afternoon was to do some antiquing. To escape the blinding white of winter shooting, I have been doing some still life photography. I am enjoying the challenge of lighting, prop placement and post-processing. I also found the perfect table to set all this up on, it is the perfect size to nestle next to the north window in our bedroom.


My husband called before I left the house to "check-in" and see what I was up to for the afternoon. I said I was going out. I told him I would probably do some shooting while I was out. Having spent the morning writing, I needed some visual stimulation. Shooting usually means to me, dressed in my winter wardrobe and paisley rain boots, carrying my iPhone. But at the last minute I decided to throw my camera backpack with my Canon in it into the car, just in case I needed more than my phone.

I set off for two antique stores with my mental list of photo props I was looking for. After a couple of hours of wandering the aisles of other people's cast off treasures, I decided to call it a day, not having found one thing that was on my mental list. Although I did find a couple of small, vintage bottles; look for those in future posts.

Leaving the second store I had the intention of stopping at a marshy nature preserve near by. But I was chilled to the bone from wandering this second store, I swear they don't have heat in there, maybe that is to keep the antiques preserved. So even though my car temperature gauge said 37 degrees, I felt damp and chilly, and decided to skip the preserve and return home, start making the soup for supper.

As I was driving along the lakeshore towards home, I looked in my rear view mirror and saw a cop two cars behind me. Why does this always seem intimidating? On that road I will never be guilty of speeding, going too slow is a possibility though. The road to the beach by parent's home was approaching so I signaled and turned off the main road, watching the cop car cruise on past.


This beach of my childhood is filled with memories, and other than the months of July and August it is almost always deserted. Known only to the local and summer people. I turned into the empty parking lot, and parked. I debated about getting out and walking down to the water. Having been warmed by my car's heater for the last twenty minutes, I felt ready to do a little outside wandering. I grabbed my iPhone off the seat next to me, hoping to capture that color combination I love; golden dune grass, gray sky, pale blue water and stark white snow.


I was not the first person to walk the trail over the dune to the water, I followed the trail of footprints. Reaching the shore, I was pleased to see less ice and more water due to the warmer temperatures, but what I wasn't seeing was that perfect color combination I was looking for. Disappointed I began the climb up the dune, returning to my car. As I was slowly driving towards the exit gate, I saw it, the clump of golden dune grass lit up by the weak February sun, set against the sparkling blue-gray lake water. I stopped my car in the middle of the parking lot. Knowing my iPhone wasn't going to get the shot I wanted, I reached into the back seat for my Canon. I fitted my 85mm lens on and stepped around the car to capture the image that gave my heart that fluttering feeling.

*I have been reading my friend Lissa's blog, who I met through Instagram, were she journals about her daily life. She inspires me to record small snippets of my life on a more regular basis. I am working on the small part of it. Her blog is Electric Journal.

17 comments:

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

Hello Sarah, I'm dropping by to say hello after Jen featured you on the Rural FB page. I've been contributing since the first issue and am just finishing a photography class on still life with Kim Klaussen. The on-line course you took with Kim sounded like fun, perhaps she'll offer it again.
It is heart breaking when a favourite blogger packs it in, it's happened to me several times.
I hope to see more from you in future issues of Rural and the piece in Artful Blogging. They featured my blog banner in the current spring issue.

sweetbriardreams said...

Your still life is so inspiring Sarah, I really must go out and pick things up just for this purpose. I did an on line course and they said to get a box and fill it with small things that can be paired up with bigger items to add interest. I really must do this. I love your shots of the dunes and the snow. I have missed the snow here - mud and rain just doesn't give the right atmosphere! I have been enjoying your Instagram feed and will continue to look out for your posts. Have a wonderful and creative weekend xx

Unknown said...

I always enjoy your walks near the water. You find the perfect shots! Love the still life. It's so quiet, so beautiful! Enjoy your weekend!

Beverly said...

Sarah, these are all just so beautiful...seriously, I'd be printing them to stare at all.day.long! The beach in shades of white is breathtaking, as is the golden grasses and snow. Those poor antique shops with their heat at 65...I leave quickly also. How nice you found a table...Love your still life!

beth said...

ohhhhh that beach photo is just divine!!!!

Unknown said...

I love your still life, Sarah, and that beach is just gorgeous.
There is nothing finer than a deserted beach, no matter the season.
Have a wonderful weekend!

Unknown said...

What a find..that beach. And your still life with that window is straight out of a vintage magazine.

Lynne said...

Love the Dune Grass Against Grayish . . .
And the tray, window, rose tea set pic . . .
Nice . . .

Electric | Journal said...

Your winter photography is so beautiful and pure... I love the contrast of yellow grass with snow, something I don't have much access to, as we don't get the kind of winters you do. And thank you so much for mentioning me in your post. I find so much inspiration in both your writing and your photography, and it is nice to know that you find inspiration on E|J, too.

Ida said...

Wow these are fabulous, especially the last one.

Ahayes1225 said...

Wonderful accidents and so glad you did not get a ticket. It always make me nervous when I see a police vehicle behind me... Recently I have been discovering how wonderful beach and marshland are. The peaceful feeling from the water lapping against the shore and the rustling of the grasses in the breeze. I hope you are enjoying your weekend.

Carola Bartz said...

No wonder this gave your heart that fluttering feeling - it's beautiful.I love your quiet and calm images, they are true soul feeders!

Michelle B said...

I am always amazed by the chain of events that evolve for the perfect moment. It reminds me of the Dr. Suess book 'Because a Little Bug Went Ka-choo'. Beautiful images! The light is gorgeous on the snow.

Anonymous said...

There's so much variety here, from the warm and cozy still life to that icy white beach. But my favorite is the first/last one...the snow-covered beach, golden grasses, and the beautiful light on the water. Just exquisite. I'm so glad for the chain of events and inner promptings that led you to capture that moment.

Suburban Girl said...

I love the richness of color in the dune grass. I'll check out your friend's blog.

jp@A Green Ridge said...

Walking the beach is a favorite pastime of many...so many footprints in the sand...:)JP

Jeanne said...

Love your winter shots, and a trip to the antique store sounds like lots of fun! love that second shot especially