DO WHAT OTHERS ARE NOT WILLING TO DO

There are so many activities a lot of people are not willing to do, and that includes photographers. Many of those reservations are psychological. I take advantage of that reality by doing just the opposite. The end result is often a one-of-a-kind image that even I won't be able to replicate.

Here are some examples. Who likes getting up at 3:00 a.m. just to get that perfect shot? Who likes hiking several miles to get a shot? Sub-zero temperatures are also deterrents for a lot of folks. Another hesitation by a lot of people falls under the category of "the art of conversation," as someone once told me I had. I don't know if it's an art, but most people don't like talking to strangers, much less for the purpose of taking their picture. I do! 

Let me share several images I created by simply doing what others are not willing to do.

It can get extremely cold in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, close to the Wyoming border.
I went out one day when it was so cold my fingers felt numb and tingled when I took my gloves off. I kept walking in calf-deep freezing snow until I came to this spot. Yes, a lot of discomfort, but it was worth it. Photos like this don't tell the whole story--they just have the feel of "coldness," without a hint of what the photographer had to do to get the shot. 

Talking to strangers. I really enjoy talking to strangers. Doing so has given me a collection of interesting, intriguing, and even funny stories to share. And, some cool photographs to boot! 

I was in downtown Boulder, Colorado, along famous Pearl Street Mall, when I saw a man sitting quietly inside a Starbucks. The scene reminded me of masterful portrait paintings, like those of Rembrandt.

I went inside, approached the man, politely introduced myself, and told him I was a photographer. I asked him if he would mind if I took his picture from outside the window. I made him comfortable by telling him he didn't have to do anything at all--just continue doing what he was already doing. He kindly obliged. When I finished, he signed a model release.

"Michael" 

There is a mountain peak in Colorado that doesn't even look like it belongs in Colorado, or in the US. A stranger, an avid hiker, told me about it after a short conversation in a public hot tub. When I told him I was a photographer, he quickly said, with excitement in his voice, "Man, you need to check out Lone Eagle Peak!" I had never heard of it. 

That evening, I went online and found a few photos of the peak. It was a no-brainer--I had to check out Lone Eagle Peak!  The man who told me about it did warn me that it wasn't easy getting there, adding that it was a fifteen-mile hike! Did that cause me hesitation? Oh, yeah. But I had to try it. It was a very long and tiring hike. I'm glad I did it. It took a 12-hour hike to see this 12,920' unique beauty.   

North Central Arkansas. As I drove down a narrow two-lane paved road, out in the middle of nowhere, a unique building grabbed my attention. I carefully pulled over and parked on the shoulder. I grabbed my gear and walked closer to the building. It looked abandoned. I looked around to see if there was anyone around to ask permission to take some photos. Not a soul around. 

The building had several uniquely-placed windows along the facade--very strange. 

I took several shots before I heard the sound of music. I looked around and wondered where it was coming from. No clue. I then proceeded to get closer to the building to get some close-up shots. The sound of music got stronger; louder. Oh my God, I thought, it's coming from inside!

I hesitantly knocked on the door. I heard a deep gravelly voice say, "Come in." Again, hesitation. I have to admit, I was afraid that if I opened the door, it would be my last day on earth. I was totally wrong. Inside was this gentle giant of a man. Although the rest of the story is extremely interesting, I will skip it for this blog. However, if you are interested in knowing "the rest of the story," feel free to e-mail me.  

John, ironically, was his name--Big Good John. He was on his bed, on his stomach. We talked for several minutes before I got the nerve to ask him if I could take his picture. He appeared to be naked underneath the blanket. He quickly grabbed his pillow and pulled it underneath his huge upper body. Click. This is what you get when you do what others are not willing to do. 

There is a great historic structure in Colorado that represents the state's mining history. It's called Crystal Mill. I had seen several photos of it, and I knew I wanted to see what I could do with it. What I didn't know was its exact location or how to get there. Surprise!

After investigating further, I decided I was going to pay for a group Jeep tour that took folks down to the mill. I had tried it before, on my own, in my SUV, but decided it wasn't a smart idea. After just a few yards, and seeing some big rocks and boulders, it became obvious that I wasn't going to make it to the mill! 

There were four of us in the Jeep, plus the driver. I have never been on a wild, bumpy ride like that, nor do I ever want to again. Several times on the way to the mill, a good three miles down the rugged mountainside, my butt went air-bound. I really had to hold on. But, as you can see, it was worth the nail-biting and discomfort.

 

Let me take you back to Pearl Street Mall in Boulder, Colorado. On another occasion, I happened to walk by this bar & grill in the middle of the afternoon. I saw these huge light bulbs hanging from the ceiling. I had never seen light bulbs that big before. I just had to go in and get a closer look. After I took a second look, I just had to ask one of the workers if I could "take a picture." I always say it that way. Even though I know I am going to create an image from my own perspective of life, they see me as "taking a picture." So, here's my picture; an image I wouldn't have created if I had been shy, hesitant, and not daring to ask a business if I could take a photo of their property. To a lot of folks, it feels intrusive. If you ask, you might get it. If you don't, you won't. 

The reason I am sharing so many examples from Colorado is that I lived there for fourteen years, and I really took advantage of the state, and the surrounding states of Utah, Wyoming, and New Mexico. That said, here is yet another one.

Eldorado Canyon, near Boulder, is a very small and narrow canyon--nothing like other grand canyons in the state. However, it has some extremely interesting, photogenic, formations, crevices, and cliffs. I had taken several photos of it, but one day I decided to get up extremely early in the morning and be there before sunrise. I disrupted my sleep and went out on a cold morning, but I'm sure glad I did. 

I encourage you to get outside your comfort zone. It's not easy, but the more "keepers" you take home, the easier it gets. It has been worth it for me.

Have fun, and e-mail me some of your "keepers" someday!