Last weekend I found myself in a state where I needed some mental clarity, a way to escape all the things happening around me, and to do something for myself. About three weeks ago I saw this tree on the side of a road when riding with a friend. I didn’t have my camera since we were in his vehicle, but I told myself I would come back to shoot it.

In my mind I saw the light at sunset coming in low and hard camera right, casting a shadow into the tall grass. I also hoped for a little wind to get an interesting blur in the grass. When I found myself in the area again this past weekend it was dark and overcast, with the chance of a storm almost a certainty.

I took the chance anyways, something I need to do more of in my life but maybe on a larger scale.

I got my request for wind, but the low sun was moving in and out of the clouds. I used a higher aperture to get more depth of field with the tree and the storm clouds. I was a little patient as the sun moved in and out across the field.

I strive to put myself into my photos and when I look back I can often tell how I was feeling when I shot something. This photo seems to have a mixed message. The storm may be imminent and we might feel alone, but there is still light and beauty as the darkness is only temporary.