Drawn on Water - II. The Chaos

 

Bear River MBR, October 2026

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Nature is a living paradox—wild and chaotic up close, yet deeply elegant and serene when viewed from afar.

Generally, life is good.

Drawn on Water

Bear River MBR, October 2026

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Yesterday morning, I visited  the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. It greeted me with silence interrupted only by the intermittent, unmistakable song of blackbirds. 

Immediately upon arrival, I was strucked by aquatic plants and their clear,  mirror-like reflections cutting across the surface in stark, calligraphic lines—so graphic and deliberate they demanded a pause. 

Standing there by the edge of the water, watching nature ink its own designs across the surface, a new series, Drawn on Water, was born.

Generally, life is good.

Echoes of July

 

Huntsville, Pineview reservoir,  July 2026

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In July, the Pineview reservoir was wonderful and calm. 

Today, I barely dare to return to these shores. Drained to its depths, the reservoir is almost empty and awaits when underwater pipes will be replaced. 

I hold onto the hope that come spring, mountain snowmelt will fill the reservoir once more, welcoming back the pelicans, ospreys, and other birds.

Generally, life is good.

Notes to Self. Sunflower

 

Ogden, River Parkway, September 2026

This photo was an experiment in tonality.

Once finished, I asked my friend for his feedback, and his verdict was simple: "close to beautiful but..."

He walked me through Lightroom’s Color Grading tool - never used it before - step by step, showing me how to introduce a subtle, almost imperceptible tone.

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This is my second version after working in Lightroom's Color Grading. 

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I’ve spent nearly a year trying to write about my friend J.M., repeatedly writing and deleting posts. Yet without his guidance, my photographic journey would have been little more than running in place. Most importantly, J.M. is not tired of my photos yet and still believes in me.

Generally, life is good.