New Photo of the Month; Dec. 2006

Picture: “Native Spirit” – Raven flying by El Capitan at sunrise, Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California.

“Native Spirit” is an image of fortunate circumstance and fleeting moments combined. I shot this image last year in Yosemite Valley. A cold snow storm had swept through the previous evening, and the clouds started to part right around sunrise. I stopped to photograph this scene, sans raven, and was busy checking all of my settings when I looked up. At that moment, I saw the bird flying toward me, and I only had enough time to check my shutter speed, spin open the apeture, and click. One frame. One Frame Only.

The title refers to something I have often thought of as I watch these ravens soaring past these huge granite cliffs, and through such a paradise. In those moments, I think back to the Native Americans that lived in this valley, and their reverence for nature.

BTW – It’s not very often that I actually title an image. I often find that too many photographers toss out earth-mother-speak titles to their images like they’re tossing out bad cheese. But in a few rare cases, a title speaks out to me, and I usually choose to listen to that little voice in my head. In fact, I can only think of a couple times this as happened. So be fair-warned that this doesn’t mark the start of artsy-speak spilling out of all corners of my site.

This is a very special image for me to offer as a Photo of the Month. It will probably be the only time it is offered as an opportunity to acquire a Limited Edition Print or Mural at 50% off the standard prices.