Sometimes spontaneity breeds creativity. We can all get stuck in the daily grind, finding ourselves uninspired, and needing a little kick to get our creative wheels turning again. I don’t know about you, but in the midwest this time of year, for me inspiration can prove especially difficult. The skies are low and gray, the streets are gray, and the ground is even gray as we haven’t had much snow. Plus we’ve been traveling a lot and speaking to libraries and camera clubs to promote my newest book, so we’ve been pretty busy.
(ISO 320, f/8 @ 1/750th)
This past week Staci and I had the pleasure of speaking to a wonderful group of photographers at the Fort Wayne Camera Club, and when it came time to leave the next morning, something wonderful happened. We were sitting at breakfast when we both realized that we had nowhere to be for the next 3 days. That never happens. The kid was taken care of, the dogs were with the in-laws…and we didn’t have any clients or workshops or meetings. We had a to-do list, but nothing that couldn’t wait!
(ISO 320, f/11 @ 1/180th)
It was then that I turned to Staci and said, “Let’s road trip!” So with only the clothes on our backs, and more importantly a camera bag in the car, we decided to head out for the weekend. We both immediately thought about touching our toes in the sand and watching a sunset in Florida. But that was a 17 hour drive, and we only had 3 days, so that was out. Then we looked at the map, checked the weather, and decided to head down to Indianapolis. The only rule was that we wouldn’t rush, we would take back roads, and would stop whenever we wanted for photos or anything else that looked fun. Since it was only a 2.5 hr drive, this was more reasonable.
(ISO 320, f/9.5 @ 1/250th)
The last time I was in Indianapolis was to attend the Indy 500 nearly two decades ago, and while I figured it had changed, the race was my only memory of the area. We had heard really good things about the city, so we went for it. Anyway, as Staci reminded me, the destination didn’t matter nearly as much as grabbing some downtime with one another and taking our time. I think my daughter implied that we deliberately planned a “vacation without the kid,” but I reassured her when that day came it wouldn’t be a weekend dash to Indianapolis. 🙂
(ISO 320, f/8 @ 1/250th)
The drive down proved to be pretty inspiring. Lots of lone trees in huge fields, old farm houses, and the windmills I’ve always wanted to photograph but never had to the time to drive back to them.
(ISO 320, f/11 @ 1/125th)
We had a great time, enjoyed a wonderful drive to a fun city, slept in as late as we wanted, ate candy in bed, and I had a chance to reignite my creativity in on the back roads of Indiana. I would say the spontaneous road trip was a success!
(ISO 320, f/13 @ 1/90th)
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I always enjoy seeing your emails. I live near Indianapolis and this story hit home. When I got to the end I had to laugh. After a nice story about traveling the back roads of Indiana the first related post was “Photographing the Vatican”. I guess Indiana has come way up in the world.
Bob,
I never really know what that “related post” feature will highlight so that is funny. Thanks for commenting. John
Fun work! Yes, deep, dark winter in the Midwest can be challenging but you did a great job in demonstrating that are always images and good light to be found. Great black and white landscapes. That “feel” of those lonely fields and farms in winter is so very Indiana, and Ohio! There’s a beauty to the sadness and you’ve captured it so well.
Jim,
I would have spent a week visiting the backroads of Indiana and Ohio if my schedule allowed. The character of the land resonates with me and where I grew up in Northern Michigan. Thank you for your observations and comments. Very best, John
John, I enjoyed so much your visit to the Fort Wayne Camera Club. It was my first visit and I became a member that night. I loved your presentation and you gave me many ideas to think about in my own photography. You brought be back to my early days back in the 60’s doing black and white under the red light in my Dad’s dark room where I would lose all track of time until the wee hours. It was a wonderful time and a magical time for me. I believe the photos you included in this email absolutely presented an accurate flavor of Indiana this time of year. My favorite times are in the spring with the flowering trees and in the fall when the trees display their crowns of color. Thanks again for a most wonderful, and instructive evening!
Chris,
Staci and I had a great time talking to your group. It’s always a pleasure speaking to a group of people that share a common passion. I hope some day my daughter reflects back and has similar memories as you with your father. Thanks again for joining us and I look forward to hearing from you in the future and possibly seeing some of your spring flowering photos. Take care, John