I was never content to stand apart from the landscape, looking in, being a transient visitor—a tourist, an outsider—showing up to harvest an image or practice some form of recreation before moving on. When in a place that interests me I am not content just seeing it; I want to be a part of it, to immerse myself in it, to know it, to become comfortable in it. Certainly I might accomplish these things in a great variety of places, but they take time to evolve. And my time, alas, is limited. I have made my choice, and there is no doubt in my mind that I chose well. It’s not about the landscape; it’s about this landscape.

Guy Tal

I’m aware I lean towards Guy’s idea of immersing myself into the landscape and desiring to experience it. I confess that for many years my interest in landscape photography has been in harvesting the image. I would then share it for the likes and the oohs and aahs I imagined everyone is making.

I’m also aware that to know and be comfortable with the landscape requires me to be there on a regular basis. I think you will agree immersion in the landscape can’t happen from our recliner or desk or someone else’s images. It may mean we must sit in the cold, rain, snow, heat, or swat at the tiniest bugs when we would rather sleep in late. Or relax at some coffee shop with a mocha. We can only fully experience this landscape when we are there and present to it. So, I will continue my mornings within the landscape. And, yes, time is limited.