You’ll often here people say on a brilliant blue sky sunny day, “what a great day to be out taking pictures!” While yes, a nice sunny day with ideal temperatures is a lovely day to be “out there,” it is usually not the most ideal for memorable photography. Outside of the hours surrounding dawn and dusk, the light is brightly harsh and contrasty. Now, although being “out there” in pouring rain, storms, and all kinds of weather and changing conditions might not be a picnic in the park, it can make for incredible, atmospheric photographs and often some of the most memorable times, good or bad haha!
This image doesn’t necessarily have a grand story to accompany it, but it was a very memorable time for me. It was early October of 2018 and I was in the in-between week of the two art festivals I typically do in Vermont that time of year. And as I typically do in-between shows, I was backpacking, surprise surprise😉
I was out for a few days along the Appalachian/Long Trail in the central region of Vermont and the Green Mountain National Forest near Killington. There is a several mile section I have visited several times there full of towering old-growth sugar maple, not to mention red maple, birch, hemlock, etc…. Basically it is a gorgeous forest to find yourself lost in for a time.
And this time in particular was wet. Storm after storm hovered across the region for most of the week but you know what, I had such a great time just hanging out. I had made a pretty nice campsite area with my hammock, rain fly, and good rain gear and basically holed up for a couple days. Relaxing and breathing in the damp forest around me, I would head out to explore with my camera when the rains weren’t too drenching.
Of the uncountable incredible scenes I came across on these days of the early Autumn forest just beginning to dapple in vibrant colors and all cloaked in mist and fog, this was one I felt worthy of setting up the 4x5 for. I just love how the image oozes with earthiness and mystery. You can just feel how damp it is and can’t help but wonder what other treasures lurk just beyond sight out there in the fog.
I would expose my sheets and meander back to my little hammock cave and enjoy another night of rain drops falling through the forest and trees swaying in the breeze, with a good reminder to slow down and explore the world around you - even if, if not especially when it is raining.
Until next time,
Brandon
“Happy When it Rains” - Brandon Kline
“Happy When it Rains” - Brandon Kline