Sometimes, life gets in the way of our plans. We may have to postpone our trips, cancel our events, or stay home for various reasons. But that doesn’t mean we must abandon our passion for photography. There is always beauty to be found in nature, even in our own backyard.
I learned that recently when I had a few hours to get out and enjoy the foggy conditions near my home in Southwest Washington. I love fog because it adds a sense of mystery and mood to the landscape. It also helps isolate the subjects and create contrast.
I had a vision of what I wanted to capture: trees in fog. I love how trees can look like silhouettes or ghosts in the mist. However, finding suitable trees and the right fog can be challenging. Sometimes, the fog is too thick or thin, or it’s only in the distance.
I started my adventure at a place where I knew there were some old-growth trees. These trees are tall and have a lot of character. But I couldn’t find a good composition there. The fog was not cooperating.
So I decided to drive around and see what else I could find. I took a side road off Highway 101 and found a pasture with cows and trees. The trees were not very big but stood against the darker forest behind them. And there was some fog in the background, creating a nice separation.
After that, I continued driving and exploring. By then, the fog had lifted. I wanted to find some more natural areas, not just farms. I knew that Willapa Bay was nearby, and it was an estuary. An estuary is where fresh water from rivers meets salt water from the ocean. It’s a critical habitat for many plants and animals.
I found a spot where I could see the grassy estuary of Willapa Bay, with some trees along the edge. I liked how the grass and the trees created different textures and colors in the image. I made a few photos of the area before settling on this composition. I felt happy and peaceful.
I had a great time that morning, even though it was not what I had planned. I learned that sometimes, we must be flexible and adapt to what nature gives us. We can still find beauty and inspiration in our surroundings, whether familiar or ordinary.
