I generally don’t find the view from this spot all that attractive. But add a bit of fog and a certain level of calmness and the mood is more appealing. Which relates to the fact that varying conditions provide opportunities at one time that don’t exist at others. Whether the changing light or the changing atmosphere or time of day, nothing stays the same for long. This is one of the reasons I tend to revisit spots….there’s always the chance for something new, different and unique. Of course, there is always the chance for something that’s been done countless times as well, but that is part of the challenge of photography. I can’t say this is unique as it has been done before and very well by James Hunt with a bit more drama.
This is the first time I have shot off the dam. The fog is nice and soft giving just a hint of mystery to the opposite shore while allowing a little bit of detail to show in the nearby cove.
Stephen Gingold Nature Photography Blog 
I like this a lot, Steve. Original or not. You should try this more often.
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Taking foggy pictures, Andrew? 🙂
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People pay a lot of money for soft focus filters, Steve. I was thinking more of the zen atmosphere.
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Ah zen. I like that idea better. I was wondering if I needed to start oiling my lenses for that soft look. 🙂
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Very nice indeed … to desaturate was a good decision … it works to get the viewer to focus on the diffuse shapes and the ‘feel’ of the moment, rather than the distraction of color and hue. D PS: Do you know of Scott Mountain Road (perhaps it’s in your area?)?
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No, I am not aware of one around here. I looked on Google maps and the nearest I found was in NH.
Absolutely….sometimes color just gets in the way. Thanks, D.
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Oops, sorry … my mistake … it’s in NH, ha – you were right … just N of 119 (off Old Turnpike Road), between Winchester and Richmond … looked at house there last fall … really nice area, we’re sorry it didn’t work out. D
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Well, NH is closer than WPA. Looks like there is a nice little brook there.
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I’ve often said there are two ways to travel. You can travel far, or travel deep. Both approaches are valid, but each has its own challenges. It’s one reason I often return to spots I’ve visited before – to query them in a new way.
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Seems we are sharing similar philosophies, Linda. I gravitate towards the familiar often enough, but will also seek out the new for some expansion of my horizons.
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It’s a shame this location doesn’t face east -for sunrise, or at least west. I understand exactly what you’re saying about light changing the entire scene; you should try sunrise on the Miller’s River from the bridge in downtown Orange…….check out my post below to see what I’m talking about:
http://quabbinvalley.wordpress.com/2013/03/11/sunrise-on-the-millers-river-orange/
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I remember that post and see that I had liked it back last year when you put it up. That’s quite a collection of different images. I guess you must have lived pretty close to the bridge. Are you still in TX or have you returned?
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I should add that I think I remember that you have a few nice autumn shots from there as well.
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I prefer your image to that of Baker. 🙂
We walk a lot and revisit many places on our routes over the seasons. It is good to see the changes and the cycles of nature. Last winter we got our first views with snowshoe hiking. It added a new element to our walks.
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I meant to say ‘Hunt’, not Baker. That is a very different person and story. 🙂
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Well, naturally I am happy you like my image better, Jim. But I do like James as well and wish I could see some clouds like that there some time too.
Snowshoes are great. I’ve gone places on mine in the winter that I could not have otherwise. I’ve got good boots, but when the snow is up beyond your knees it’s nice to stay on top rather than trudge within.
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Dig that panoramic view.
I’ve had the same experience you mention, though related more to plants than to landscapes. I’ve photographed a great colony of wildflowers in a certain place one year, then returned to that spot a year later and found nothing special at all. It’s hit and miss with nature.
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I chose to post this cropped image, aka panoramic format, with our exchange yesterday in mind, Steve.
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Steve,
I have your blog bookmarked in my browser and even though never commented, i visit it regularly (almost daily).
I like the photo very much. B&W works great.
As I live in Belchertown I stop occasionally at Quabbin and have few photos from the same location (not as good as yours, but I’ll keep on trying https://picasaweb.google.com/izudin.lelic/Quabbin#)
Looking forward to your new photos.
P.S. And btw, August is 8th, not 6th month as your blog title suggests (06.01.2014 Quabbin from Winsor Dam)
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Thanks for visiting my blog so often, Izudin. I appreciate that you come here often and thanks for the comment on the image.
Thanks, also, for pointing out the date mistake. This photograph was made on June 2nd and I was working in that folder so thought June in place of August.
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Lovely and serene in monochrome. Very nice, Steve.
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Thanks very much, Yvonne.
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I agree with Andrew. The Zen atmosphere is what people want – Moody but not in a grumpy way!!
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Not sure I can keep up the non-grumpiness, Lottie. But I’ll try. 🙂
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Hi Steve,
Nice work. Thanks for the shout out. That location is challenging to be sure. I was there on Friday I believe and got nothing, which is more common than not. My day was getting to be stormy, which created quite a different effect. I like yours very much, it is somehow more relaxing or serene.
James
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Thanks, James. To be honest, I never had much luck there and probably would not have given trying again a second thought if not for your image. Imitation is flattery you know.
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It indeed works pretty well in B&W and I really like the calm atmosphere. The pano format also works well!
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Thanks, Sandra.
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Nice photos, especially the last one!
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oops, this was supposed to be comment on other photos (with stink bugs)
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I really like the zen thing you have going here, too. I’ve been noticing a yearning for that, in others and in myself, and have been reaching for it in my studio but my usual impulse toward color and detail usually takes over, like a horse with the bit in its teeth! I also really share your penchant for revisiting familiar spots. I reason that there is a reason you were drawn there in the first place, so it must have something to share with you.
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I think one reason, beyond its general appeal, that people seek more of the zen in art is its offering of peace and serenity in a world that daily seems to outdo itself in craziness. There is so much social/political/violent stress in our daily lives that a need for a quiet core is growing in us all….well, most of us anyway.
When I visit the Quabbin the main draw for me is the natural beauty I see there. And it is a natural beauty despite the fact that it is man-made. But as I look up the Quabbin Valley, there is a melancholy as well. In this image would be many homes but for the flooding created by the dam I was standing on. So often what we see as we walk the trails is evidence of all those homes that were razed or removed so that Boston could have a large source for its water requirements. When I am there and experiencing the beauty, I am also aware that I am seeing what would have been the daily visual experience of so many families that were displaced. Despite that bit of sad realization, I am still able to enjoy what the Quabbin as an “Accidental Wilderness” has to offer.
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