Adventures by the roadside
It always puzzles me the fact that once on the road people just seem to want to reach the end of it, instead of enjoying the surprises a roadside adventure can bring you. This series of images is an example of what can be found when you SEE.
“It’s not the destination, it’s the path” is something many people do say a lot, but probably do not practice as much. While I do like to reach my destination, I also always try to enjoy the road, and I’ve done my share of pictures of the roadsides (and roads) I go through… and I am not over yet doing it.
Stopping some places can be an unexpected adventure that will make you richer in terms of photography and experiences of the world. Sure, not all places offer interesting photographic subjects, but sometimes, just watching the world unfold, will make you keep in your mind fantastic images of pulsating life from where you least expect it.
The opening banner images are a good example. They were all made within 20 meters distance of a road, but they take you into a complete different world. From the tiny orange spiders running on the tree trunk (I’ve one on my photograph, a tiny little spot even on the original) to the mushroom with similar tones, those may not be prizewinning photographs, but they made my adrenaline flow and contributed to some 30 minutes of pure bliss while I explored the trees, the rocks, the moss, looking for lines, shapes, things that made me feel good and calm after a whole week of work. A 30 minute exercise in the art of contemplative photography is all it takes to recharge your batteries. It may take some more time to get there, though…
The olive trees in the yellow flower field are another example of a roadside adventure. Sometimes it really pays to stop and photograph, even if you’re going through an area you visit regularly. If something attracts my attention when I am driving, and I’ve the right conditions to stop the car — space, visibility, etc. — I will do it, even if it is only to grab one or two images. Then I will decide if I shall return another day. Many times I will.
The red poppy at sunset is another example. It was — with many others - in a field by the side of the road. I saw the effect the late afternoon Sun created and could not resist stopping. The road was narrow, running between stone walls, but I found a place to stop, some meters ahead, and returned in time to create a few photos. I chose this one — framed almost squarely — which is a nice example of a backlit poppy in its natural habitat.
There are many places like these where you live, I bet. They do not need to have the same atmosphere, it is good to change, to explore, and to learn to find subjects wherever you go. You don’t even need to walk long distances from the road to find subjects. In fact, it is a good discipline to set an exploration area and methodically search for subjects, always remembering to look back, up, down, and change your point of view around the different subjects found. Those places can usually be visited over and over, meaning they will be your collection of “hotspots”. The photographs shown here are from places I visit time from time to time, after I’ve discovered them.
If Nature is an important theme for you, there will always be something happening, and the deeper you go into your exploration, the more you’ll find. For example, I just had one lens with me for the photos on the top banner, a 28–135mm, but after seeing the tiny orange spiders I felt I could return with a macro and spend a couple of hours or more there. But even if you’re after other subjects, there is always something new. If you cannot find it, then maybe you’re not Seeing as you should.
Although I am challenging you to step out of your car and search for photo experiences, I also suggest that you keep your eyes on the road. You must, obviously, when driving, but I mean something else: look at the road, too, as a photographic subject. There’s a fantastic theme right in front of you. The two examples published here should convince you. But, here and there, stop on the side of the road and stretch your legs, while expanding your horizons as a photographer. Take a deep breath and enjoy!
I’ve amassed a collection of roadside “hotspots” all these years, and I sometimes just go round to check how things are on some of them. I do not always come back home with new photographs. Sometimes, just being there, and using my best photo camera — my eyes and mind — is the best thing that can happen. While we may be devoted to photography, there is always a time we should put the camera down and simply enjoy the flow of life. I surely had time for all that in those 30 minutes of roadside adventure. You feel your soul is replenished after such an experience! And guess, these moments are still free.
