— When I look back at all the years I have been playing with photography, there are several meaningful photos that come to mind. However, if I were asked to pick the most impactful that touched me on a personal level, I would have to say they are these two photos I feature here on this post. Recently, Tina (of Travels and Trifles) posed a challenge for the weekly Lens-Artists followers. She challenged us “to choose up to a MAXIMUM OF TEN images which are your all-time favorites” … and tell readers why. It all comes down to these two images for me. These images here were the turning point when I began to look at photography as a serious hobby (I never thought of going professional).
Frio River Cypress
Garner State Park is one of the most popular state parks in Texas. During the summertime, especially, the park is always crowded. Having the Frio River running through the park can easily explain why the park is popular. Some friends of mine and I got into a tradition of going to that park in December for a while. It was our way of celebrating Christmas before the actual holiday. At that time of the year, the park is nearly deserted. We generally rented 2-3 cabins and had them decorated with Christmas lights for the weekend we were there. Hiking during the day or venturing in the cold waters of the Frio River in the afternoon was a popular activity of ours.
One of those friends pointed out a monthly state-wide contest, Focus on the Wild, that the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation created to celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2016. Each month a theme was given. January was Texas icons, February was Texas rivers, and so on. I entered the Frio River Cypress (a photo made in 2007) for the February contest. To my surprise, the photo was the best of 2016 February. Here’s the Twitter announcement. Later in the year, the same photo was also selected as the winner for the year.
Window on Davis Mountains
Every month in 2016, I continued to submit photos for the Focus on the Wild contest. The photo below was my entry for June.
This photo was taken during the Spring Break of 2013. We headed to the Davis Mountains again to enjoy the open space, the cool nights, and beautiful views such as this. On top of Skyline Drive, there is an old CCC pavilion. With the sun setting and that natural window frame capturing the view of the Davis Mountains area, it was simply a ready-made shot. I was honored (again!) to be the monthly winner for June 2016. To make matters even better, Earl Nottingham, former Texas Parks and Wildlife photographer (he’s since retired), said the following about the photo:
This Davis Mountains shot is a great example of using either naturally occurring or man-made objects to act as frames that pull the viewer’s eye into a scene. The details in the CCC-era rockwork and timbers add to the rustic sense of place. The strong composition of objects in the foreground, middle ground, and distant background gives you a sense of the scene’s depth.
Here’s the TPWF tweet showcasing the shot.
Wind Kisses
wow. Certainly deserving of both awards, Egidio. Do you also this printed and hanging in your home somewhere. It really is a stunning , interesting photos. Love your work, love you commitment to this hobby that reflects what you love. Have a nice weekend.
Egídio Leitão
Thank you so much for your compliment. They mean a lot to me. I do have the window photo hanging on my wall (a metal print). I think I need to get the cypress photo done, too.
Wind Kisses
Yes. Its often hard to know the right place even with a great photo, isn’t it?
margaret21
Oh great! These are wonderful photos, and so good to have them recognised.
Egídio Leitão
Thank you, Margaret. They changed the way I made photos.
margaret21
Always learning, aren’t we?
Yanti
Both are very stunning photos… I cannot explain it well enough, but as my eyes fall upon them, they evoke very deep feelings in me.
Egídio Leitão
Yanti, I feel so glad the photos relate with you in a deep level. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Tina Schell
Egidio, thanks so much for posting these images – I know you’ve been traveling so I really appreciate your joining this one. The cypress trees are magnificent. We have them here and they are so beautiful and you captured them perfectly. Congrats on both images, each of which definitely deserved their recognition!
Egídio Leitão
Many thanks for your compliment and support, Tina.
nesfelicio
Both excellent photos, deservedly recognised and awarded.
Egídio Leitão
Many thanks, Nes.
Tra Italia e Finlandia
Sono entrambe molto belle. Forse preferisco la seconda. Ciao Egidio!
Egídio Leitão
Ciao Luisella! Capisco la tua scelta. La finestra crea una vista di un dipinto.