So here we are at the end of another year once more. Looking back over the images I have created in the last twelve months I am pleased with what I have been able to achieve despite mostly staying within Victoria. The urge to explore further afield is certainly strong but with our lad too young for vaccination the risk seems too great should he accompany me, as is often the case. Now on to happier things.
During this period, I did a number of hikes around Mansfield, spent a couple of days down in the Otways, tried to reshoot some scenes along the Great Ocean Road, and even hiked up a peak in the Grampians, but had nothing gallery worthy to show for it. I was starting to think I had lost my photographic mojo. I am sure all creative types hit this setback at some point. My solution was to reset my thinking.
Instead of driving long distances I focused all my efforts on one local scene, only 20 minutes away from home, and took the time to revisit it at dawn, each time refining my composition. The ease of access to this little reservoir of hope and the pleasure of having the place all to myself as the natural world awoke around me, helped to keep the joy alive. Without the pressure to make an image that comes from spending hard earned coin on a lengthy journey, I found myself enjoying the act of landscape photography more.
Eventually one morning ignited in colour, granting me something special. Thus recharged, I embarked on a short trip to Falls Creek. I knew it contains a number of high-country mountain huts some of which I had yet to document to my satisfaction despite several decades of trying. This leads us to the two images of Cope Hut, both captured on the same foggy morning.
Hopefully, these images portray the emotion this little dwelling evokes. That sense of magic at finding oneself sheltered from the elements, atop the alpine meadows, all cozy despite the near freezing temperatures. The rudimentary nature of the residence adding to its appeal, offering simplicity, even a spirituality of sorts, in an otherwise complicated world.
Lofty words, but anyone who as ever hiked any distance, their very survival dependent of what they can carry, knows what I am talking about. There is a peace to be found, and that is something I hope these photographs yield.
Case in point, being the final image in this series which see us, the viewer, casting our eyes across the watery expanse of Rocky Valley Lake, its life giving liquid cupped in the loving arms of mother nature herself, as she grants us her blessing in the form of vibrant wildflowers.
At least that was what I was thinking as I stood beside my tripod watching the sun sink below the horizon. I had spent the day hiking around the various trails scouting out huts and had return to the lakeshore.
I resisted the urge to pack up knowing from experience that sometimes the best light occurs just on twilight. As luck would have it, I was not disappointed. The whole scene took on a magenta hue and the sky glowed with reflected warmth. Within a minute or two it was gone, but I had it in the bag and walked out happy with the image and my time in the mountains.
So that is all I have for 2021. Have a happy and safe break if you are taking one. As always, thank-you for reading and all the best for the new year.