Capturing Tropical Storm Lee at Hedgehog Mountain Freeport

I headed out to the trails at Hedgehog Mountain in Freeport on Saturday afternoon because going into the woods during a tropical storm is always a wise choice. Says no one ever.

I didn't head alone. I had Bella, our inherited (?) boxer, because that is what we do. She follows me and wants to be within a 10-foot radius of me as much as possible. We used to go with Miss Pepper Ann, too. My awesome Rottie, dearest Pepper, passed on this July and actually her last trail was here. This wasn't a part of the story but it is now because we think of her every time we walk here.

My camera inspiration was to capture the movement of the tree and the storm. I heard from Maine Coast Waldorf students at their fist photo class Monday that long exposures was something they wanted to learn. My mind went there and then so did my feet and camera. I decided this day that the sound of trees and leaves blowing in the wind is one of my favorite sounds in the whole world of noise. I love wind, especially on a warm or hot day.

Capturing the movement of trees meant I brought my tripod and used a long f-stop and long exposure. My shutter speeds varied from 1/2 second to 1/15. Capturing the dog--which went from stillness and listening to the wind to running at top speed as boxers love to do--was a challenge. But photographing her running is something I have done many times. My real challenge is the trees and really showing the movement. Perhaps it is best shown in large (20x30 large) prints. I visit this concept every few years and will keep at it.

I have another blog post to create of movement pictures taken in August 2020 with Steve McKay on the track in Pownal. Weekends in the fall, I particularly feel his absence. It was on weekends that we had time to spend time together with our dogs. It has been 27 months since his passing. Something about seasons, the way the sun sets, and the air smells that bring back memories. Photos bring those feelings too, which is why I love to photograph.

There are many pictures of Bella. That is what happens when someone comes close into my heart, much love and many photos.