In a decidedly down year of minimal photo output, New Jersey landscape and nature photographer, Greg Molyneux, shares his 2 best landscape and macro photographs made throughout 2022.
Respite
What we do when our hobbies teeter on the brink? When the plateau lasts so long the urge to press on becomes as flat and indiscernible as the far off horizon. How do we get our mojo back?
Can’t Fight the Light
It seems everything is burning around us. Far too much desire to tear it all down and reign over the ashes. The dark side farce of humanities unpleasant underbelly seems to be boomeranging back once again. History is undefeated, yet the beautiful skies still burn above us indifferent to it all. Let’s rewrite our story and dare to be different, yeah?
The June Palette
Nothing beats the look when the salt marsh powers back up to full strength as it radiates a fresh green color like no other. It’s so fresh and full of life, it’s total rejuvenation right before the eyes. And the way it plays with the blues and pastels at sunset is unlike anything else. It’s a joy for any landscape photographer to behold and capture.
Shaken
New Jersey photographer Greg Molyneux shares his latest hospital scare the day after capturing a sunset out on Cedar Run Dock Road salt marsh. Heart issues continue to weigh heavily on his mind, and has him shaken to the core. Stay healthy out there, and take care of yourselves, my friends.
Rolling On
Sometimes all you need as an evening jog, some Star Wars audiobooks, chicken tenders, and some attention grabbing clouds and then, boom, a 14mm sunset photograph over Cedar Run Dock Road salt marsh in mid May happens. The sky lit up in pink pastel tones as storm clouds roll across the marsh from the western horizon.
The Blind Side of Clarity
You need not me to tell you the world is an all out dumpster fire right now. Pandemics, invasions, unchecked authoritarianism, a warming planet, rank incompetence, and on it goes. It all feels a blur, and you are right to fret. But we must hold firm. We must take care of our own and hold space in our hearts for the other. We are all strangers until we say hello and smile.
Past Glory
Digging into the past. Scratching away at that pleasurable itch of nostalgia. I assume this is a feeling that comes welcomed by us all, though I admit my own Peter Pan bias may be coloring my protracted adolescent glasses a bit here. Regardless, I’m glad to revisit this fiery sunset from November 2021, which I decided to hold out on for some reason. Now if you will allow me the indulgence.
Second Time Round
Shoot the same shot twice and it’ll never be the same. No matter how hard you try this truth will hold. One of the great rewards of making photographs is the differences, both subtle and great, that arise between exposures. Tactical changes take these differences even further. This brings powerful creativity to the photographer, affording all kinds of wonder and discovery throughout the process.
Winter Turn
Feels like an age since I’ve made eyes with a proper winter scene on the salt marsh. Almost forgot how profoundly calming it can be, even with biting temperatures further sharpened by wind. Let this be the start of a great year of winter photography for southern New Jersey!
