Rocks, Docks, and Trees

No doubt that the weekend's photography field trip left a bad taste in my mouth. To put it into a sexual context (because any artistic pursuit has a sensual element to it), after that session, I felt like I was left saying, "I'm sorry. I swear.....it's never happened to me before." So I grabbed my gear bag and headed to one of my favorite spots for a late afternoon photo session. I had a blast and it reignited my passion.

I'm a very active photographer. I like to be climbing over things, getting dirty, and/or doing something that might get me in trouble. Tonight didn't disappoint as I jumped down off of boulders, ran up and down the rocky banks of Lake Loudon, and jogged uphill trying to get one or two last sunset shots from a higher elevation. I have GOT to get a more rugged tripod so let me know if you have any recommendations.

ROCKS
These rocks are all submerged during the summer. The TVA drains the lakes during the fall/winter to generate electricity & manage the spring rains/floods. The color, geometry and reflections were impossible to ignore.

“On matters of style, swim with the current, on matters of principle, stand like a rock.” Thomas Jefferson
“Slander cannot destroy an honest man - when the flood recedes the rock is there” Chinese Proverb
“A pile of rocks ceases to be a rock when somebody contemplates it with the idea of a cathedral in mind.” -Antoine de Saint-Exupery

DOCKS
There were no clouds to make an interesting sunset, so I found my own contrasts and shadows.

I loved the starburst effect of the sun as it started to dip in the trees (click on the picture to enlarge so you can see it).
“If Columbus had had an advisory committee he would probably still be at the dock.” Arthur Goldberg

TREES
“The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago. The second best time is now.” Proverb
“Sometimes our fate resembles a fruit tree in winter. Who would think that those branches would turn green again and blossom, but we hope it, we know it.” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
"Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.” Abraham Lincoln

And my favorite shot of the day. Blow it up to see, but the detail of the trees, the darkness of the landscape, and the faint water in the lake were great contrast to the orange sky.
Not only did my muse find me tonight after leaving me for the weekend. She threw me on the bank of the lake, whispered dirty words in my ear and had her way with me.