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n 1976, I acquired my first professional quality
camera. The following year I lived next to the
Metolius River in Camp Sherman, and worked as
a carpenter at Black Butte Ranch. During my
time at Black Butte I really began exploring
my creative process in earnest.
Flash forward
30 years. The year 2007 provided the most beautiful
fall colors I have ever experienced in Central
Oregon. It was during this time I discovered
the scene you see here in 'Speaking Fluent
Aspen II.' It was a two day process.
The first day consisted of brilliant sunny skies,
hours of scouting, and culminated in several
photographs taken just after sunset. I use 4”x5” large
format film, so the results of my efforts remained
unknown in the latent images in my film holders.
I was not satisfied.
The next day I awoke early
to overcast skies. Now that's more like
it! Driving toward Black Butte, I could not
conceal my excitement, or my fears. Would the
overcast hold? Would the wind be blowing? When
I arrived, my heart rate quickened as I discovered
the answers to those questions. I was greeted
by fabulous light, and no wind.
Soon I was zeroing
in on my compositions, having paid my dues the
day before. I began with a horizontal view.
As I completed that composition in perfect conditions,
I focused on the vertical. Get closer, my instincts
kept telling me. As I moved in, tunnel vision
took over. The magic moment was at hand as I
aligned with the unique rhythm of Black Butte.
At that moment, my vision shone as 30 years
of experience coalesced into... 'Speaking
Fluent Aspen.'.
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