I took this same walk a year ago and got some shots I really liked. This year, I felt pressure to capture new, equally interesting pictures. I left disappointed, feeling I hadn’t met my goal. When I finally went back to edit, I was surprised to find some photos that I liked. I realized I captured these during moments between the pressure. Overthinking led to underwhelming images - I just needed to react to what caught my eye.
I like finding things people have left behind. Some leave a mark, others are pauses waiting to be resumed, and many are simply forgotten artifacts. All are reminders that we’re surrounded by more people and stories than we’ll ever know.
Cloudy sunrise walk in Waltham, MA. Shot on Fujifilm X-T30.
A lot of my photos come from weekend day trips. Each week, I pick a spot from my ongoing map of beaches, forests, and mountains. Most are places I’ve never been, so each feels like an adventure. By comparison, waking up before sunrise and driving 5 minutes to an industrial street I pass every day sounds less glamorous. But that’s what I did today, and now my map will include more local places.
Sunrise walk at Marginal Way in Ogunquit, ME. Shot on Fujifilm X-T30
I’ve lived in New England almost ten years and hadn’t been to Maine until today. After twelve days of clouds, the sunrise was worth waking up in the dark and braving the cold. I was sleepy, couldn’t feel my face, and still felt more energized than I have in weeks.
Sunrise walk at Nantasket Beach in Hull, MA. Shot on Fujifilm X-T30
I love winter beaches because they remind me of making theater. Like an unfinished set surrounded by lights waiting to be hung, they aren’t ready for an audience. Still, there’s anticipatory energy as the world of the story comes together. Soon, the temperature will warm, the beachgrass will revive, and the show will go on. But for now, I enjoy the backstage tour.