Calm Photos

Perhaps it’s anxious anticipation as to why I’ve selected “Autumn on Rose Lake” as today’s Story Behind the Picture entry. This is the time of year when the dead of summer just seems like it refuses to let go with the heat, humidity and dull light holding the crisp, clean air hostage far to the north. But autumn will arrive, a season so splendid in all of its’ golden glory that it deserves two names.

I think another reason why I’ve selected this image is because it has come to hold so much special meaning, not only for me, the photographer, but more than one close friend who know this place so well and see this scene as a source of sacred inspiration, sweet memory and calm reflection. One of the many personal rewards with pursuing my chosen career field is seeing the reaction and feelings that my photographs elicit, especially those images of nature, landscape and historic locations.

Rose Lake in Hocking Hills is like a jewel that greets your eyes after a short trek through a canopy of pines and carpet of pine needles. Many visitors to the area neglect to see Rose Lake opting instead for the more popular trails at Cedar Falls, Ash Cave and Old Man’s Cave, so usually the trail around the lake is not nearly as well traveled. But it is here where you can find the best of autumn color in Hocking Hills. My favorite time to photograph Rose Lake is early morning, when the still water holds reflections better than any mirror.

This particular photograph was taken during my first visit to Rose Lake, in October of 2003. This was prior to my complete migration to digital photography. The camera used was a Mamiya RZ67 Pro II medium format camera with a Mamiya 90mm Sekor lens, both on a Kirk ballhead and Bogen tripod. Film was Kodak Portra color negative. For exposure I used a Sekonic L-508 light meter. This was doing nature and landscape photography the old fashioned way, with film and a hand-held light meter. I still have this set-up and I enjoy taking it out in the field at least two to three times a year. My Canon digitals are terrific, but there is just something special about peering down the big viewfinder of a medium format camera and seeing your composition take form.

Beyond the colors and reflection, what really caught my eye was the faint wisp of clouds that provided the composition with that extra element that took the scene from ordinary to one that catches the eye and imagination.