Blast from the past…

I recently purchased a new camera I was hoping to test drive this weekend and share my experiences with my new toy but the parcel service deities had other plans. Fortunately, I am at the stage of my photographic journey that I have more than one photographic device within my possession and my trusty R5 hasn’t let me down yet. It is a good thing too because this Friday I was able to finally climb to the very tippy top of a lighthouse and see the golden artificial sun within and also a unexpected fun adventure delving in to the deep… (for all you Lord of the Rings fans).

It has been a dream of mine to see the top of a lighthouse for as long as I can remember. I have this grandiose and romantic notion of what the experience would be like, derive from hours soaking in old Disney movies from the 60s and 80s. The experience did not disappoint and I could not help but touch the lantern a few times as the glass just made it that much more beautiful to look at. The lighthouse itself wasn’t looking to shabby either. Rose Island, the island the lighthouse was located one was sparsely populated by humans as the island is a natural nesting grounds for protected birds. Abandon building with sunken in roofs were scattered across the terrain which made me think it serve as a military base in some distant time in the past. The whole property was a photographer’s paradise. Using my 24mm macro lens I was able to piece together some creative shots which I later used as inspiration to develop a new Lightroom preset I call 80’s Film Stock. I’ll let be the judge and figure out why.

This trip had many fantastic locations and allowed me to try a huge range of ideas, editing techniques and themes. None of these were planned but a product of spontaneity and creative juice. Of me trying highs and lows, darks and lights.

I am constantly reminded of how grateful I should feel to be challenged everyday and grow as a photographer. I will check back next week when my R5 will hopefully have a new companion.