Arizona, my adopted home state, is a wonderful place to live and is filled with many beautiful photographic opportunities. I like to take advantage of living in such a photographically rich environment, so several weekends each year, I load up the SUV with all my camping and camera gear, and just takeoff; spending 2 - 3 days car camping, hiking and taking lots of pictures.
Balanced Rock At Watson Lake
On this particular weekend, I spent two days hiking around Watson Lake, in Prescott, and car camped at a local campsite. The weather was wonderful, with the skies filled with fluffy low hanging clouds, that filtered the sun, giving many of the pictures I took, a warm soft glow.
I had seen a picture similar to one above in one of my favorite magazine - Arizona Highways - and wanting to take one like it, was one of my motivations for visiting Watson Lake.
I started hiking along the southern end of the lake, and came across these water fowls enjoying the morning sun. They took flight after one of the kayaker stopped to admire them.
Birds On Watson Lake
Birds On Watson Lake
There are many trails that surround Watson Lake, and besides hiking there are many other recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating and camping. On the weekend I was there, there was a Gothic convention of some kind going on, with folks dressed up in Period costumes, and about to overthrow the old regime, and install a new King and Queen. Not exactly my cup of tea, but some of costumes where quite beautiful and very ornate. This guy below, didn't care much for the Goth costumes, but I imagined he was enjoying himself fishing. I took many pictures of him, and never once did I see him reel in a fish, but he was just casting away, with not a care in the world.
I waved at this couple from the bank of the lake as they leisurely paddled along, stopping often to point out a feature here and a bird there, along the cliffs that overlook the lake. Great "couple time" I thought to himself, maybe next time I'll bring my wife and enjoy to view from down on the lake. But on this day, I was enjoying spending some alone time, behind the lens in a beautiful place.
There are many other beautiful places to photograph in Prescott, and I have visited several of them. I will be sharing some those pictures with you in another blog sometime in the future.
For now, thanks for visiting, and please leave a comment, letting me know you were here.
Peace and Love
Derrick