Dirk W. writes:
<< I *still* don't understand desert right next to lakes. I've seen this
before, and I can't figure out why there aren't some water-loving plants
like willows growing at the water's edge, or even cattails in the
shallow part of the water. weird. >>
Western reservoirs are subject to dramatic seasonal changes in water
level. There is seldom enough stability for hydrophytic (wetland) plants
to develop. When the water drops, they get fried in the sun and baked
ground. When it goes up, they drown. One exception is Tamarisk, a
Mediterranean weedy shrub. It grows in deltas of rivers flowing into
reservoirs (as well as along rivers). They have very deep tap roots for
low water levels and can withstand spring flooding. Nasty plant, with
poor wildlife value.
Probably the only time of the year to see two boats on a southwestern
lake is when the "Snowbirds" return to the north and the kids are still
in school. Plus it helps when it is mid-week. It is now a zoo down here
on any lake.
Funny thing how you sometimes have to let go of wanting to only shoot
your favorite subject in a viewpoint favorable to your preconceptions
(e.g., wild untamed landscapes with no evidence of man - the Ansel Adams
tradation) and shoot for commercial success something more familiar to
the masses (e.g., a tranquil damed and flooded creek basin with man's
imprint everywhere). Perhaps one knows when they press the shutter that
they aren't being true to ones owns emotions and desire to depict the
world the way they most love to see and share it. But rather to a
social need (a.k.a. a stock shot). You will still "high five" or thumb's
up a successful shot with a shooting buddy, but the image is a bit less
endearing and satisfying. It's more "money in the bank" than it is art.
But, hey, I've never been a commercial photography, so this paradox is
probably old hat to those who are both artists and commercial shooters.
I feel sorry for any commercial photographer who wouldn't even want to
spend the time to explore a subject for art's sake.
Gary Reese
Las Vegas, NV
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