When I Became A Photographer

"Watermark" was where a lot of firsts were created. A place where the first of many Chincoteague memories started. During our stays there, it was also a time of experimentation for me.

Watermark was a little cottage nestled in reeds and pine trees that overlooks non tidal ponds. The spectacular views of nature and the peacefulness of its setting were only disrupted by the unbelievably overwhelming amount of mosquitos that came out after dark. It made trips for ice cream desserts interesting. Trying to run from the car, through the bloodthirsty swarms, to safety inside Watermark is what memories are made of. Watermark was where Hannah brought SpongeBob SquarePants into my life. It was also home to the "COUCH". The "COUCH" has been the standard to which all others have been judged. Watermark was sold and it was an end to an era.

This picture is from a stay at Watermark. This period was also right after buying my Canon Eos Rebel. This picture has turned out to be one of Dottie's all-time favorite pictures of mine. To us, it evokes those special happy thoughts with our time at Watermark. On a more general level it gives you the essence of the Chincoteague/Assateugue natural experience. A place where land and water do their endless dance. Always changing and yet always the same.

This picture taught me a lot. I learned so much about lighting with this picture. I discovered how the position of the sun in a landscape composition affects the outcome of the photo. I have taken many more pictures of this pond over all these many years. I have been doing it at different times during the day, and even during different times of the year. And I have been able to see how lighting affects the outcome.

It was with this picture that I started forming "Steve's Laws of Photography". There are only two of them. The first law is simple and pure: "It's all about the light". My goal is now to always control lighting or use it to my advantage. This always dictates the composition of the photo. And hopefully make more memories along the way as well.