Retrospective Anticipation: WPC

“Thank the past for all the lessons it taught you; anticipate the future for all the blessings it has in store for you.”

Matshona Dhilwayo

INTO THE SUN

As photographers, we continually practice anticipation as we work to capture life’s special moments. The reward for our patience is a remarkable library of memories that we can enjoy again and again in retrospect. As recently noted in The Daily Post, this is a perfect time to consider a year-end review of our blogs. Going a step further, I thought it would be fun not only to revisit some 2016 favorites, but also to compare them with selections of similar subjects from prior years.

I’ve opened with one of my personal 2016 favorites (also one of yours), a weather-worn shrimp boat, nets extended, headed out to sea in anticipation of a good catch. It reminded me of a photo I made in 2010 during a trip to Southeast Asia, featuring two boats moored in a harbor. Their weather-beaten appearance led me to create a vintage look using textures and effects.

YESTERDAY’S PASSAGE

“When we recall the past, we usually find that it is the simplest things that in retrospect give off the greatest glow of happiness.”

Bob Hope

CHARCOAL FOREST

“Wisdom consists of the anticipation of consequences.”

Norman Cousins

I have always loved nature, and trees in particular. One of this year’s highlights was a 2-day session with famed photographer Joyce Tenneson focused specifically on trees as art. My capture above was a vertical pan post-processed with Nik’s Silver Efex Pro 2. There is something so striking about a simple B&W, especially one with strong graphic lines.

Some favorite trees from years past took a more colorful approach. First, a capture I made during a glorious sunrise at nearby Botany Bay.  I was honored to have it chosen for publication in Charleston’s largest newspaper’s annual magazine special.  It is followed by a personal favorite from nearby Ace Basin, also captured at sunrise as beautiful light filtered through moss-laden oak trees.

PRAISE FOR THE MORNING

THREE LIVE OAKS

“Retrospect: the sweetener of life.”

Kamand Kojouri

No review of 2016 would be complete without mention of Hurricane Matthew – our first mandatory evacuation since moving here 16 years ago.  We were fortunate to suffer only minor damage from the storm, although many neighboring islands were not so lucky. We were able to find a beautiful “evac-u-cation” spot about 4 hours north in Greenville, SC.

BRIDGE REFLECTION, GREENVILLE

“We need the sweet pain of anticipation to tell us we are really alive.”

Albert Camus

Speaking of storms here in the south, the incredible power of 2004’s winter storm Leon comes immediately to my mind. While they didn’t last, the amazing ice sculptures delivered on a cold day in January were a photographer’s dream and a warm-blooded southern girl’s nightmare!

BRRRRRR

FROZEN BERRIES

 “So much of our time is spent in preparation, routine and retrospect, that the amount of each person’s genius is confined to a very few hours.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

In 2016 I featured the two little beauties below, captured during a hike with good friends in Asheville, NC.  How sweet of them to stop and pose for me smack in the midst of a field of brilliant yellow flowers 🙂.

COLORS OF SPRING

“The anticipation of discovering new possibilities becomes my greatest joy.”

Jerry Uelsmann

Of course, when thinking of the beauty of the many animals with whom we share our planet, I am immediately drawn to remember our life-changing 2006 trip to Botswana and South Africa.

OLD SOUL

MAJESTIC

“One day in retrospect, the years of struggle will strike you as the most beautiful.”

Sigmund Freud

Hopefully your anticipation of my second set of 2016 favorites compared to prior years’  efforts is a positive one! Look for more to come in my next post. In the meanwhile, here’s hoping your holiday preparations are complete and you can relax and enjoy the beauty of the season.

 

Tags: 2016 review, Photo essay, weekly photo challenge

• December 18, 2016
• Photography, Travel, Wildlife
• 81 Comments