Daily 2012
Read More
Red Maple, Nacogdoches TX
Nini and I spotted this red maple basked in late afternoon sunlight right away as we entered the SFA Arboretum. I spent about 10 minutes shooting this tree, struggling with the composition. To get really low and bring the foreground in the shot I had to crouch down in a dry ditch. Usually that's no big deal for me, I don't mind getting dirty. But on this occasion I swore I saw a snake just before I figured out that I needed to get really low to get the shot. For those who don't know, I have a crazy fear of snakes. Thankfully Nini watched my back while I got down low to compose this and I quickly took a few exposures and got out of there! So far I have not definitively seen a snake since we've moved to Texas, and this was the first time where I even thought I've seen them.
I have a crazy fear of snakes, and a very normal fear of bears. When push comes to shove, I prefer bear country than snake country (because I like mountains and that's where bears usually live). I also have a borderline crazy fear of heights, but heights also excite me. I'm more scared on the top of a building than on the edge of a cliff. What about you? What fears does photography make you face?
This is a single exposure.
Critiques are always welcome.
Daily photo: December 7, 2012, taken December 1, 2012
dalystock
on December 8, 2012great tapestry of colors, great foreground with the low growing species
Ilene Samowitz
on December 8, 2012This is stunning Paul.
TinaMarie Gardner
on December 8, 2012Very pretty. Fun narrative. I like snakes. I like heights. I liked the Bear Pit in Bern, Switzerland--but doubt I'd be comfortable running into one out in nature.
Vandana Raman
on December 8, 2012lovely colors ! saw quite a few snakes while shooting and living in NM, almost stepped on one while hiking in Costa Rica ! they're evil :) !
L Perry Fuqua (perryfuquaphotos)
on December 8, 2012great reds in that young maple
Howard's Photography
on December 8, 2012Amazing color, beautiful capture!
Lorna
on December 7, 2012Exceptional color. I don't like snakes either. What dedication.
Byron Fair Photography
on December 7, 2012Very nice down low shot. Yes snakes are the ones that get me jumping also. No snakes or Bears here in Hawaii. I would say Going in the ocean with the surfers I am not crazy about the sharks. Maybe that is crazy but we have had five or six attacks this year on Maui. So I stay on land 99% of the time. But woul love to get more shots from the ocean. Love your shots of the trees very nice color. Was going to Inda for six mouths to do some training but the company thought my price was a little much for them. So stay right here in Hawaii. Have a great day.
fotoeffects
on December 7, 2012Beautiful perspective. Like you, I'm afraid of rattlesnakes. I always look before I place my feet or hands on the ground or a log or rock. My biggest fear, though, is heights....from buildings, cliffs, you name it. I haven't mastered this fear, although I'll crawl out on my belly to get a shot. I can't make myself stand up on the edge of a high place. However, for a photo, I seem able to do about anything else.
Tom Scherer
on December 7, 2012Those Japanese maples know how to put on a colorful show. I don't mind most snakes, but I'm watchful for rattlesnakes when I'm in rocky areas.