"There is only you and your camera. The limitations in your photography are in yourself, for what we see is what we are." Ernst Haas
It took several trips to my favorite prairie, Freda Haffner Kettlehole Preserve, near Milford, Iowa, but finally I found the Pasque Flowers in early bloom. One of my favorite Spring arrivals, small, short, and extremely fragile, but growing in some of the least desirable location of the prairie ecosystem. On this day the wind was howling and it took a while to find a protected location where movement was reduced. It was my intention to get some back lighting from the rising sun, but, as luck would have it, the clouds were moving in and the situation didn't look promising.
My tripod was set with camera and 100 - 400 mm zoom with extender attached so that I could get up close and personal with the camera lens. Now, it was waiting time. While slits in the clouds passed within small distances of letting light from the fireball out, I had time to sit, think, observe the surrounding hillside and once again marvel at the opportunity to sit in the quietness of natures arms. It's times like this that I am reminded that it's less about the shoot and more about the content of the shoot, which gets me out of bed at these hours.
Finally it appeared that the sun had found an opening and for one brief 30 second period I had time to capture the above shot. I was expecting more, but often we have to make due with what were given and just enjoy the process. In this setting the thrill of the wait was present and my heart was touched by the fragility of the moment. I'll be back next year.
Enjoy this remarkable season and for all the farmers out there, stay save during the hectic planting season.
For more views of my work visit:
"A Piece Of Work", Spirit Lake, Iowa http://www.apieceofworkinc.com
"Art On 16th" http://www.hankhallarton16th.com
Art Of The Vine Gallery http://www.artofthevinegallery.com
Artisans Road Trip www.artisansroadtrip.com
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