Backwater: May 2011

May 18, 2011

by Posted in Sony Bloggie
backwater
Seclusion: Spring 2011
The Return: Fall 2011

One specific exploration of Eau Claire’s hidden trails and unkempt ditches. Sony “Bloggie” digital camera, 5/18/2011.

A pile of thin branches and twigs lies scattered on the left side, adjacent to a neatly stacked collection of larger, cut logs on the right. The scene is set on a slight hillside near a clearing, with sparse green grass and the bare dirt of the forest floor visible. In the background, a mix of trees forms a dense woodland, their trunks and branches creating a textured depth. The natural setting suggests this spot is close to a parking area on Somona Parkway. The camera points skyward, capturing the stark silhouettes of tall, bare tree branches stretching across the frame. The trees, devoid of leaves, form intricate, vein-like patterns against the pale blue sky. The delicate lines of the branches emphasize the skeletal beauty of the forest in late spring before full foliage. A tranquil scene showcasing a grove of what appear to be birch trees with their light-colored, smooth bark. Fresh green leaves are just beginning to fill the canopy, creating a soft, dappled light effect. The forest floor is lush with vibrant green grass, enhancing the serene and calming atmosphere of the landscape. A fascinating close-up of a cluster of silkworms gathered on a branch, their tiny, dark bodies encased in a dense, web-like silk structure. The web shimmers slightly in the sunlight, contrasting with the muted green and brown tones of the surrounding foliage. The intricate patterns of the silk highlight the industriousness of the tiny creatures. A network of bare branches with budding leaves extends across the frame. Emerging reddish-pink flowers add a splash of color against the subdued green grass and earthy browns in the background. The scene captures the vibrant yet delicate transition of spring. A narrow dirt trail winds its way up a gentle hill, flanked by trees on both sides. The trees are a mix of slender trunks and budding leaves, creating an inviting tunnel of green. The path leads to an open patch at the top, hinting at a peaceful clearing or overlook just beyond the frame. A decaying birch log rests on the forest floor, its white bark peeling to reveal darker layers beneath. A shelf mushroom has attached itself to the log, its textured, creamy surface contrasting with the vibrant green grass and scattered brown leaves surrounding it. This close-up captures the quiet details of woodland decay and renewal. A rusted Pepsi can lies discarded on the ground, partially buried in a bed of dry leaves and green grass. The faded blue and white logo is still faintly visible, hinting at the vintage design. The can's weathered state tells a story of time and abandonment in this otherwise natural setting. A small marshy stream runs alongside a concrete culvert or tunnel, its still water reflecting the nearby greenery. Overhanging branches and budding leaves frame the scene, adding to the feeling of wilderness reclaiming this human-made structure. The surrounding grasses and reeds enhance the wetland vibe. A close-up of a cluster of large, dark gray rocks partially covered with lush green moss. The moss spreads like a soft blanket over the uneven surfaces, adding vibrant texture and contrast. A thin twig lies across the rocks, adding a natural touch. The Sony Bloggie captures the intricate details of the moss and rock textures beautifully. A macro shot of a rock surface dotted with patches of moss and tiny lichen. The moss varies in shades of green and brown, while the lichen appears in delicate, light-colored clusters. The intricate details, including spindly structures emerging from the moss, create a dynamic natural composition. A close-up of a pine tree branch focusing on a central, spiky core emerging from the needles. The green pine needles fan out around the golden-brown center, which features resinous textures and sharp, spiked tips. The image highlights the intricate structure of the tree's growth. A richly detailed image of a rock surface covered with a variety of mosses and lichens in shades of green, brown, and golden hues. The textures and tiny ecosystems created by the moss bring a vibrant sense of life to the otherwise hard surface of the stone. A close-up of a rock featuring lichen spread in delicate, pale-green clusters. The lichen's detailed shapes contrast against the rough, dark-gray rock. In the background, slightly blurred patches of moss add depth and additional shades of green to the scene. A detailed view of lichen spreading across a rugged rock surface, with strands of grass softly blurred in the background. The subtle variations in the lichen’s pale colors create an intricate and natural tapestry against the rough stone. A close-up of moss and lichen thriving on a rock, showcasing the beautiful interplay of textures and earthy colors. The green moss appears soft and vibrant, while the lichen’s intricate shapes bring an extra layer of complexity to the scene. A detailed shot of fuzzy white mushrooms growing on a decaying log. The mushrooms resemble small coral-like structures, their textured surfaces standing out against the dark, decaying wood. A few twigs frame the fungi, enhancing the natural setting. A bright yellow dandelion in sharp focus against a lush green background. The flower’s vibrant petals fan out perfectly, with intricate details visible in the central portion. The image captures the cheerfulness of the dandelion, set against a field of green grass.When you hike in a city, you usually have to go to a specific park or nature area, and there are usually pre-defined trails that you stick to, at least most of the time.

When you hike in a small town like Eau Claire, you can just pull over to the side of the road nearly anywhere and start walking up a random hill and it’ll take you places.

That’s exactly what I did all the time when I lived in this little backwater place! It wasn’t good for much, but it was good enough for this.

The first shot, admittedly, was not part of the hike–that was me outside my car in my driveway, testing the Sony Bloggie HD camera settings on the lumber and sticks we had piled up from before. My little house would’ve been right off to the right side, slightly down a hill, and my car right behind me.

The rest, though, is on the trek. I think this is near the mall, behind some dentist office maybe? But I could be getting it confused with other hikes I went on, I did plenty.

On this hike, I brought my HD digital camera because I wanted to focus on the small things, the little macro details. I did take a few of the branches, the birches, the trees and trails, but most of these shots were on the small things along the way. I thought it would be an interesting alternative approach to nature photography. (Not that it’s rare in general, but it’s just not what I personally usually do.)

I really love the whole little worlds that emerge from taking close-up shots of moss and lichen growing on rocks. It’s like a whole tiny landscape, a miniature environment that I could just imagine little faeries or miniscule gnomes walking around on. I’m always fascinated by this stuff.

The dandelion at the end, ah, so beautiful. My favorite flower is the dandelion. Has been for years and years and years, maybe even since high school. Some great Ethan trivia buried deep in my photo journal here. I love dandelions, they always bring a smile to my face.

Seclusion: Spring 2011
The Return: Fall 2011

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