THE PROJECT Over 4000 images were created over the course of the “Streaming South” study, from May 2014 – May 2015, in 33 outings to 12 creeks. All images were taken from a kayak, handheld, using a Canon 5DMk3 digital camera. Details of each trip are recorded in a blog at streamingsouth.com. No animals were harmed during the making of this body of work with the exception of some mosquitoes and 2 yellow flies (who deserved it). My initial outings became a series of experiments to learn boat handling and basic skills. Photographing from a kayak has its own challenges. In addition to the inconvenience of transporting an 80 lb. boat and finding an appropriate launch site, you are dealing with less than ideal environmental conditions and an assortment of creatures (biting flies, mosquitoes, spiders, snakes, and alligators) eager to make your life miserable. Hand holding your expensive DLSR with the very real possibility of total water immersion requires a good insurance policy. Proper exposure is problematic. Bright skies, dark canyons of trees, a moving platform, wind, and limited mobility all add to the thrill of getting an image that is actually useable. As a result, I have developed some very strict rules about what works and doesn’t when it comes to weather conditions, tides, anchoring, high ISO, and navigating around spider webs.
“You find that you have to do many things, more than just lift up the camera and shoot, and so you get involved in it in a very physical way. You may find that the picture you want to do can only be made from a certain place, and you’re not there, so you have to physically go there. And that participation may spur you on to work harder on the thing, . . . because in the physical change of position you start seeing a whole different relationship.” – Jay Maisel, Photographer The photographs selected for exhibit represent an overview of the seasonal characteristics of the landscape. Florida does not have abrupt seasonal changes, there are subtle transitions in the trees and light that are part of my interest to experience. Each season brings its own visual aesthetic and emotional signature. With each outing the landscape was different. The same creeks continuously transformed into something new. The seasons changed the trees, the water, and the light. The experiences changed me. Different conditions yield different photographs. As I continue to review and process the image collection, I am surprised and delighted by new discoveries and details that appear fresh and original. These areas are my new “Grand Canyon” of visual and emotional fulfillment and I look forward to a lifetime of explorations. 8