TIMING

One big thing about nature photography is timing. I live in Virginia Beach, meaning our seasons consist of: summer and a dreary rainy "winter". Don't get many opportunities for snow or fall pictures here. So when I went home to WV this last summer I was excited to get a chance to do some shooting while there. Unfortunately it poured rain almost the entire time I was there.

A great spot to shoot if you are ever around Beckley is at the Glade Creek Mill...





They have several prime spots for taking shots at the perfect angle of this mill. And if you get there when the leaves are changing, you should expect to get a shot perfect for print.

As I said, when I was there, I was standing in a downpour with a plastic grocery store bag over my camera trying to take pictures on slippery rocks along the bank with muddy water and heavy fog in the forest. It's a small miracle I got what I did I suppose. I'm sure I'll be visiting again and get another chance, but still always reminds me how important timing is for pictures. Whether we are talking about catching an emotional moment or waiting for mother earth to create the setting for you.

This is a good example of the kind of shot you can get if you are there at the right moment. Click the link to visit Joseph Rossbach's blog (and purchase prints of it if you wish):

But if you google Glade Creek Mill you will see several great shots of it, many from the same angle. As I said, there are a few spots that are pretty much set up for someone to get a good angle on the mill. You can also get another good angle by walking around the mill down the road along the opposite bank of the river. If you are ever in the area it's worth getting some pictures.