The Magic Of Superior By Greg Czarnecki

The Magic Of Superior By Greg Czarnecki

Landscape & Environment

October 13, 2022 ·

Josh Reichmann

Lake Superior weaves its way into the mind with endless possibilities. It is a destination filled with compelling features and great locations. With over 2700 miles of shoreline, there are vast areas to find the spiritual solitude of nature photography.

The waters of Lake Superior lie in a depression left by the Laurentian Rift, a billion year old artifact of continental shift and receding glaciers. With an average dept of 500 feet and water volume of 2900 cubic miles the lake almost never completely freezes over in winter. Extremely clear water laps the craggy shores ringed with basalt cliffs. The shoreline looks quite different from terrain in other areas of the Midwest where volcanic rocks are not common.

In addition to clear water and a rugged shoreline, wildflowers have a special place in the Lake Superior ecosystem. There are 58 species of orchids that bloom around the lake with numerous additional wildflowers. Late spring and early summer is the peak season to capture their beauty.

The weather patterns over the lake are unique. Positioned at the center of the North American continent the vortex of eastern and western weather systems flow over its waters. Cold fronts arise from northern Canada and blow down across the waters. Warm fronts from the Gulf of Mexico stream north over the average 40 degree body of water. Clouds often seem to hang low over the lake as if in artificial suspension.

With a size larger than the entire United Kingdom the lake has an unmatched open horizon. Amazing sunrises and sunsets rise and fall reach over the lake. Add the dramatic clouds and wonderful opportunities abound for the imagination of photographers.

The many moods of Lake Superior challenge photographers in a variety of ways:

To create photographs that reflect the timeless beauty of the lake

To reflect the myth and magic of the waters

To melt the rising and setting sun into images that etch the mind

To gather the spirit of the lake and convey it through photographs

To let inspiration serve as a guide.

A friend and talented photographer examining a group of photos once commented, “Photographs can be of something or about something.” To say it another way, photographs can serve as a record or they can tell a story. This is a strong insight into a strategy of stepping into the role of storyteller. Storytellers spin their tale with the audience in mind.

The Method of Storytellers

Patience in delivery

A careful selection of details

Create a mood

Use a hook to build tension.

Patience

Each new location presents exciting opportunities. Photographers often are quick to begin gathering multiple images in expression of their excitement. This may shortchange a chance to capture a possible spectacular image. Slowdown and look at the details in the sky, side to side and behind your position. Gather the angle of the sun and clouds. Search for the best position. Consider the best composition. Patience can be an important strategy.

Selecting details

Nature is complex. To compose the best image, our role as photographers is to simplify the many details nature has to offer. When considering an exposure, study the scene to discover a focal point. Search out lines of direction that reach to the focal point. Look into the sky for cloud patterns. Find the right camera angle. Then, gather the exposure for the photograph.

Mood

The most difficult aspect of landscape photography is to capture mood. The early morning and late evening share a unique form of delicate lighting. It is the golden hour with aspects of delicate studio tent lighting. A feature of daylight that creates a peaceful serenity that often suits a natural scene. Sometimes this kind of light can even be enhanced with rain or fog.

The Hook

Great photographs always seems to include an unknown element to share a mental question of what is this or what is that and how does it fit this scene. It is the question mark that allows the viewer to build their own scenario and construct their own mental story. The story becomes strong in their mind. The photography may then even become a metaphor for another story and memorable. It is the ambiguity factor.

Lake Superior weaves its way into the consciousness. The powerful natural environment is a hook to the imagination. To discover all its magic and moods takes time. I have visited Lake Superior many times and each journey shares a bit more. The myth of the lake, the power and the majesty reaches the soul. Each time I try capture a bit of its spirit. But it is only a bit. I yearn to photograph more. To reveal its greater dimension.

Greg Czarnecki is a long-time professional photographer. He recently retired from his last position as staff photographer of the Ann Arbor Symphony. His work and that of his wife, Sue Dempsey, can be viewed at cdphotogroup.zenfolio.com

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