The Branch
Commutes Are Boring
I work, like most adults. I also live in what most people would consider a "rural" area. The reality is that most jobs, at least ones I'd be decent at, are not located in regions where the population of cattle reign supreme. Which means I need to drive to work. Not only that, but drive far. On average, it is a 40 minute commute to my unofficially assigned parking spot in the city. Where I slowly, but most assuredly, get out, walk the few steps up to the building, and within minutes I'm seated at my sterile, well-organized desk with lists of emails waiting for my eager reply.
If I'm honest, which I'm rarely not, I'd say this isn't something I look forward to. Work is a necessity. Work is limited. Work is work.
However, the commutes are even more so. The waking up early, leaving the house well before start time, only to show up minutes late each morning. Obviously, you do this at least 5 times each week. Something needs to give. I don't mind the work, I enjoy the people I work with, but the repetition will always result in the dramatic desire for change.
The Hawk.
I've intentionally used alternate routes to work to change up my scenery during the drive. It's a far more effective tool for distraction than listening to the droning on of the same talking-heads spouting off about the issues that complicate the sports world. I should just change the radio dial. Are there still radio dials?
There is a tree I pass by every day. It is a large tree, impressive in girth. And in the winter, it looks quite intimidating. Every day, when I pass by this daunting, oversized stick, I see a rather large bird in the branches. This winged creature of death is more commonly known as a Red-Tailed Hawk. They are prevalent in this region of NY, and it has been my goal to get a picture of this hawk for about a year now.
A picture of a bird, though cool looking, isn't my ideal of photography. Where he sits, I doubt I could get within 100 yards of him before his excessively good eyesight sees me as a threat or a treat. I'm not saying I've given up on this adventure, however, I didn't write all this to show you a picture of a bird.
The Branch.
This tree, housing this bird of prey, also displays a branch. Quite a few, actually, but one in particular that always captures my attention from the road. Traveling at 55 MPH, I see a composition of this one branch that I have always wondered about capturing. The problem is, as most would know, this area of NY is rarely displaying interesting or pretty lighting. There is this thing called the "sun" that apparently heats up the earth and produces glorious light. The issue being it is only a myth to the locals.
Facetious, of course. However, lighting is the most crucial element to any photo. Without it, you couldn't see anything. Once again, I drove by and the sun was disguised by thick gray clouds. Although, something was a bit different this time around.
It had snowed the night before. Not a lot, but just enough to dust the earth with its purity. That branch, it just looked different. It was emphasized, it brought out context, it had depth. I drove right past it again.
You Have To Stop.
I turned around. If there is anything I've learned over the years is that when you see it, take it. That out of context would make most people think less of me. In photography, not having a camera with you or with easy access to one is the number 1 mistake all of us make. I've gotten into the habit of bringing my camera gear with me almost everywhere I happen to go, including work. It will be left in its cozy protective bag 90% of the time. However, that one moment where you see something that you can't take your mind off of, you'll be happy to have this burden.
I went back and snapped a couple pictures of this tree branch. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.