As old as I am, I still learn and see new things every day. Sure, in many ways, I’ve seen and done it all, and a few folks think I’m wise beyond my years. But put a camera in my hands and send me into the woods, and I’m like a kid in a candy store for the very first time.
While hiking dirt paths and long-closed roads, sweating like a pig, and swatting at gnats from hell, I’m still surrounded by magic. It’s all around me! At 38, I saw a weird parasitic plant for the first time. Apparently it feeds off the mighty oak, not really hurting it, but depending on it for life. I’m not sure the oak gets anything in the deal.
I’ve stumbled on vast patches of wildflowers that I’ve never even seen until this year, and discovered that they didn’t smell like flowers at all, but pure unadulterated sweetness. In their density, they possessed color so bright they lit up the small clearing. Another flower I’ve found had a shape that lets it retain heat and odor in order to attract flies which do most of its pollination. In its oddity there is such beauty.
I’ve run across unfurling ferns, just emerging from their long winter hiatus. As many buds and flowers as I’ve seen in spring, I’ve never seen a fern do that…or even contemplated how they might come to life each year.
It is indeed a magical world, and the minute we stop discovering is the minute we stop living. Grab your camera and some comfortable shoes!
I’ve come to realize that I really don’t like to just take pretty pictures or videos. I prefer to capture the essence of things, either what makes them tick or what makes them unique.
Just this past Saturday, I was in New York City, the greatest city in the world. I took a point-and-shoot Canon that takes great photos, with great optical zoom even. I also took my Sony Webbie, a 5.0 megapixel, fixed-lens camera to take video. I was surrounded by landmarks on more than a few occasions. I saw the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and Grand Central Station. It was non-stop New York.
And what did I capture? Only two short videos of cabs and one of people on the street. No landmarks, no museums, no skylines, and no celebrities. Just the essence of the city… the taxicabs and the people.
Sure, I’m not a tourist at heart. I feel fully at home in New York (thus my decision to move there). But I could still capture the landmarks and hot spots for people will never go there. But why? Why candy-coat it, when the essence is much better! So here is just a bit of the essence of New York City:
Back when I first moved to Delaware, I discovered White Clay Creek Preserve (now State Park). It was my way to escape campus and Newark, and it was where Icleared my mind and contemplated the complex world. My mountain bike and Pentax K1000 were my best friends.
Fast forward almost 20 years.
Needing to get out and enjoy Delaware a bit, as well as to get a little exercise, I bought a park pass this year and have been hiking like a mad man. I’ve explored most of White Clay Creek State Park and related natural areas as well as Brandywine Creek State Park which is closer to home for me now.
I’ll dig the bike out in a few weeks and do some mountain biking. My Canon Digital Rebel is my best friend while hiking, because I’m still obsessive about capturing life, perhaps as a way of holding on to it?
