Originally I started taking pictures like most people, to remind me of the hike I had done and what I saw. Not much effort was made, the goal was to get a few quick pictures of the place and of friends I was hiking with. When it became a hobby, it was to motivate me to get out more. That was a big success, it's now harder to be inside, no matter the season. As I worked toward getting better and better pictures, I realized it was more likely to happen when I was out there on my own. No talking, just letting the mind wander until I saw a picture in front of me to take. From that I quickly figured out it was a great way to mentally relax. Nature photography not only provides me physical good health but also for mental health. I can even feel the difference when it's just for a few minutes. For example, watching a kinglet move from branch to branch in search of food. The world becomes small, it’s just about the bird, how it moves to find food.
So when life seems to be out of control, I head toward nature for balance. The more I do the better I feel. I have yet to overdose on this natural drug, I have come close with chocolate though. I tend to smile and laugh a lot, this makes for an easier life. Benefit of a healthy mind. This is the reason why I fully control where I take pictures, how I take pictures and why I take pictures. For me now, nature photography is a passion and I think we should all have a passion to keep us on a strong foundation.
When I took this image, it was a very cold windy morning. Holding onto the tripod with the camera on it, wandering on the frozen lake until I came across an image. I took the picture and repeated the process a few more times. The hands got a bit cold after I was done, but the rest of me felt great.
