Sleepy Hollow

Fog was heavy, slipping through the branches just above, the end of the road leading back into the endless clouds. The deep dark woods I call home surrounding me, sitting in silence as I stood beneath the canopy, only to occasionally be interrupted by strange voices down bellow. I held my breath and listened to everything all around, silence once more. I snapped a few shots, then the low whispers again, perhaps closer, perhaps not. I waited, looked, but nothing. I would let it all go, the nagging sensation the owners of those voices were just behind me, silence would fall…. And as I stood to finally take my leave, the sound of giggling just beyond the leaves. Was I alone? I was certain of it, behind the frame of the camera was impassable, the valley dark and deep, no trails, no homes, nor roads just the deep dark woods.

It’s sometimes easy to get in your own head while out taking photos, so very common to be snapping shots and hear a strange sound that simply doesn’t belong. Or in my case this particular shoot, any sound at all, the woods were absolutely silent. To hear voices out there was momentarily shocking. No cars, no access points, I was literally at the end of this road. There I stood, damp, chilly, composing a shot hearing what sounded like a conversation bellow. The thing to realize when you’re out in the woods, you are never actually alone. There are animals, insects, and other people all around you.

So, when you’re out on your next solo adventure, remember. Relax, keep your eyes open and work on your photo. It can take a little while to get used to the idea of being all alone in the woods, but its worth it. More importantly, when you are out all alone, and you fear that something is around you, an animal, or person. Make a little noise, speak a little. Shout into the valley if you think it may be something to worry about, but always stay calm.

Until Next Time!

Aperture: f11
ISO: 800
SS: 1 sec
Focal: 12mm

Fujinon 8-16mm