April 28, 2024 – B

I took this picture in 2015
because in 2014 (our first trip) 
I was so captivated by the scene
that I paid absolutely no attention 
to the process of photographing the scene
and being awestruck resulted in every photograph--
and there be many--
lacking a discernible point of focus.
I wasn't focused on focusing the camera!
So we went back.

Going back was as important 
as going the first time.
And that was important
because I saw an image of this scene
in some magazine--I don't remember which
or where I saw it--
but seeing it was enough to know
I needed to photograph it.

I call this "honoring my eye."
If something catches my eye,
I have to take the picture.
It's a deal I make with my eye.
If I see a barn along an interstate,
I find an exit,
turn around,
pass it on the other side,
find an exit,
turn around,
drive back, park, take the picture,
and get back underway,
having "honored my eye."
Which is not different
from being enslaved to my eye.
My eye is the boss.
I just carry the camera equipment.
Which is a lot easier these days,
in that I have sold all of my proper camera equipment,
and use only my iPhone for photoing everything.
My eye doesn't mind.

I will add here the confirmation 
that I will not put myself in harm's way 
for a photograph.
My eye understands my right to draw lines,
and does not push the issue.
If I feel as though I stand a good chance
of getting by with it,
I will.
If not, I won't.

This image hangs as a canvas print 
in our living area
as a portal to balance and harmony,
and I do not regret a second trip 
to New York to honor the eye.

And I will say this about being so captivated
by the scene that we forget the mechanics 
of photography: That's really the way to do it!
See the scene first! 
Photograph it second!
Do not miss the scene being so focused
on focusing the camera
that all you have of the scene
are not memories but photographs!
That is failing to honor the eye completely!

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