 |
|
$45.00 (Hardbound)
|
|
|
From the introduction...
Over the last twenty some years, I’ve driven down Jarrettsville Turnpike from my home in Monkton, Maryland south towards Towson and/or Baltimore, more days than I haven’t. And the highlight of that near-daily trek is where Jarrettsville Pike merges into Dulaney Valley Road at the bridge crossing Loch Raven Reservoir. You’d think after countless crossings, I might have grown blasé about the view this bridge affords me of the 2,400-acre reservoir below. Nothing could be further from the truth. After all, you are presently holding what I deem to be a personal, photographic love letter to a man-made, and nature-enhanced, body of water.
As a film director who primarily shoots TV commercials, I have used the reservoir as a location in several projects. But this is also where I’ve photographed my children over the years, taken my dogs for long walks and taught my son, Christian, how to ride a bike.
So, it’s really no wonder that a few years ago when I decided I needed a hobby, I was drawn to the reservoir. Plus I was looking to exercise, too. Everything fell into place when I found myself in Hudson Trail Outfitters where I discovered the “Native 12,” a cool name for an equally cool Kayak. And given it was season’s end and on sale, I could easily justify the purchase. Paddling is exercise, after all. I’d be in a place I loved. And I could take pictures, something I’ve always enjoyed. Here was my new hobby/exercise program. Hence the idea for this book was born. One big problem, however. Did you know it’s nearly impossible to take photographs and paddle a kayak at the same time? Me neither!
While shooting photos, one gets lost in the process – waiting for the cloud’s reflection in the water to move just slightly, repeatedly second guessing the aperture and f-stop, quickly clicking off a dozen shots in a row. These are the sorts of things that take one’s attention away from paddling and results in running aground, running into trees, nearly running into other boaters. I was out of control, and I was a risk to myself and others.
While leafing through an L.L. Bean catalogue, I came across a small battery-powered, trolling motor rig designed for a canoe. I figured canoes and kayaks are kind of cousins (maybe not kissing cousins, but…), and in no time at all I quickly became known as that nut-job on the reservoir with the motorized kayak. I got teased quite a bit from others on the water, “Just get a boat, chowderhead,” “How’s they bitin’, mister?” and “What in world do you think you’re doing?” I made up a story, claiming I was working on a photo book. Early in the process, I thought, if these photos are good enough, maybe there is a book here.
I guess what I was doing was trolling/fishing for photographs.
So, what started as an attempt to gain a little relaxation and exercise, developed into a project with a great deal of satisfaction, and virtually zero exercise.
It’s my pleasure to introduce you to the most beautiful, peaceful places on earth I know.
Please stay away,
David Simpson,
Winter, 2009
