Let’s explore a photography technique that intentionally introduces motion blur into the finished image. Combine steady hands, confident, steady motion and a lazy shutter to produce stunning minimalist photographs. The effect of motion brings a painterly touch to heighten the drama.
Cedar Run Dock Road Photographs
Here's my complete archive of Cedar Run Dock Road photography. Jutting southeastward the meandering Dock Road features 360 degrees of salt marsh views. Serene and expansive it has for decades been a favorite diversion only minutes from my house. In recent years it's become my most frequented spot for making sunset photographs. Some of my favorite Dock Rod shots include A Marsh Life, Still the Sirens Call, and The path before me.
All I See
A wide sweeping horizon, flat and unbroken is a challenge. It is a call to action to look upon all its possibility to make a choice. What will you make of this blank canvas? How will you harness its limitless options to make one your own? What is that you see? Out there and inside yourself? Where does it take you?
From Solitude
A life in solitude may yet be a life well lived. Trials and tribulations shape the isolated travelers journey through this life. In solitude exploration and self discovery take place. A chance to uncover who we are and what we’re all about. His is the path of solitude.
The Winter Look
The winter sunset, man. My favorite photograph to make. A holy ember unique unto herself in the pantheon of seasonal sunsets. The depth and vibrancy of color coupled with a singular clarity to the air creates the perfect environment for striking cloud colors. These are cold moments made to leave you breathless.
Plebs Will Out
This democratization of technology has taken photography from a cloistered craft of the few into a pastime of the many. The equalization of this skill makes us all richer. Smartphones have become the great leveler, bringing high quality picture making devices to so many. This has allowed experimentation and practice by people in places who otherwise would have had no chance to learn the trade.
Distortion
As humans we invest significant time and thought in self discovery. In so doing we present ourselves to the world as what we think the world thinks we are. It’s a trap. This dissonance stunts self discovery and leaves us mired in an inescapable loop.
Exposed
I’ve demonstrated some modicum of skill with photography, flat horizon sunset photography in particular. And yet it is not enough. It’s no longer getting it done for me. It all feels like a wash, rinse, repeat exercise in both futility and repetition. Like eating the same dry piece of toast each morning with the same familiar disdain of a routine unwanted.
I Knew You When
Leave it to a sunset to bring pause to a racing mind. A pause long enough to strike the muse and leave the photographer trying about lines of poetry. The result may not be great, but the effort is always worthwhile.
To Sparkle in Your Eyes
Sometimes what we need is a little push out the door. A small dose of unexpected encouragement to get us off the couch, literally. Jon Carr provided said encouragement when he reached out to let me know 4 September’s sunset meant business. Thanks to my friend I got out and got this shot.
Again?
I debated posting this photograph I made back on 25 August. It’s a an angle I have exploited on numerous occasions. And even though no two sunsets are the same, even I am growing worn thin by my lack of originality. (This coming from a notorious creature of habit.)
