This is Wisconsin at its finest.
Bascamp is Eagle’s Landing.
One of my favorite photography experiences entails booking a completely random VRBO (vacation rental by owner). It forces me to focus on my surroundings in a small proximity, and I often find myself creating more compelling and unique imagery.
Okay, so maybe it’s not completely random.
When finding a suitable VRBO, my strategy is to:
- Ensure that it has unspoiled nature around it.
- Locate a place with limited or distant neighbors to enhance the experience and expand the boundaries.
- Find accessible state parks, notable landmarks, and trails that are nearby.
- Provide my family a tranquil, relaxing, and scenic view. Hot tubs, game rooms, and unique experiences on the property are a bonus.
This strategy seems to pay off time and time again. Not only do I get to enjoy creating art, but I also get to bond with my family.
This time, the VRBO was at a lovely placed called Eagle’s Landing near Hayward, Wisconsin. It was an easy, albeit late, drive east from South Dakota and a no-brainer to get into the forest that would bring arrays of fall colors.
For those that have never been to my beloved state of South Dakota, the one thing that is a bit lacking is trees. When we start to head north east toward the wonderful forests in Minnesota and Wisconsin, I feel like a kid in a candy store. As we drove through the darkness, only my headlights could give me a quick glimpse of all of the fall scenes that were surrounding us in the pitch black.
Soon we arrived and it was getting close to midnight. When I stepped out of the car, I noticed heavy atmosphere that was already starting to form along the ground. I smiled because I knew foggy morning conditions were imminent and these can make for amazing photography opportunities.
My alarm went off. I sat up quickly and looked out the patio doors to see that my perfect scenario had arrived. Thick fog consumed the air outside engulfing the trees of the shoreline. It was time to get out and explore this place.
As I walked around this unfamiliar place, the thick fog revealed amazing foggy scenes.
The warm sunlight tried its best to push through the fog, giving it a dream-like ethereal feel.
As the fog lifted, crisp blue sky was revealed and the sun rays pushed through creating magnificent conditions as the colorful leaves were illuminated.
Further inlnand, I turned around to see this deer staring at me. It was a fun moment to capture.
Throughout the stay, I would constantly marvel at all of the beautifully colored autumn leaves around me.
A tree that is perched over the water glows gold in the morning sun.
One evening I got creative and found a strange combination of colors that were lit by the early evening sun. I experimented by a process called ICM (Intentional Camera Movement) to create this abstract.
As I drove around to explore even further, the clouds and trees created beautiful light in front of me. I paused as I noticed a leaf would fall every now and then. Waiting for the perfect moment is pure joy.
Waiting for this particular moment tested every ounce of patience I had. The breeze would blow these reeds around but my vision was to time it perfectly where they twirled around each other but never touched. I finally got it. Isn't nature incredible?
Another example of intentional camera movement (ICM), I wanted to use the camera as a paintbrush and capture the unique colors and few leaves on the tree. The blend of light and shadow can be revealed.
I decided to explore the area with PHOTOn, my camera in the sky. It's a really interesting viewpoint seeing how the trees and land interact with the surrounding water.
This picture embodies that very first morning I experienced--not sure of the mystery that was out there, but more than willing to explore!
Sometimes all we need is a change of scenery. It inspires me tremendously, and I look forward to the next discovery, and the next VRBO. A special thank you to Dustin at Eagle’s Landing for accommodating us. What an amazing experience!
