Today marks the first time I am participating in Photo Hunters. What this means is once a week I have to post one of my photos either new or old that represents a predetermined idea. I thought the challenge of having to produce something specific outside of what I would normally do with the camera would be good practice. Practice as a verb. This week is HOBBY. I made the picture on a misty morning of the front end of my canoe gliding along the quiet water as Bald Eagle Creek was about to become Foster Joesph Sayers Lake.
When I first thought about the idea of hobby I was thinking riding or photography. I had to look at the dictionary definition to make sure I understood the word. I often think I know what’s what but in practice I don’t. I thought I was a good rider when I started riding again and when I explored that idea in the MSF Basic RiderCourse it turned out I was wrong.
The definition of HOBBY says a pursuit outside one’s regular occupation engaged in for relaxation.
Canoeing meets the criteria of the definition especially since it doesn’t require any kind of frequency because I don’t canoe every day. Or even every month. Riding and photography don’t actually meet the definition. I do them so much that they are a regular part of my life. They are my occupation or as George Leonard would describe in his book Mastery they are a practice. Practice as a noun and not a verb. Practice being a journey or path.
And I don’t engage in photography or riding for relaxation. Sure, there are plenty of times it does relax me but there are times when I have to push or struggle. I engage riding and photography because they are an important part of the journey.
Photography Project Update
Lone sign along rural road in Sinking ValleyI’ve continued to make photographs aside from the pictures of the Vespa you seen on Scooter in the Sticks. I haul the Mamiya 7 along and photograph the landscape as I ride or as I walk or drive. Here are the most recent results.
I’ve been commuting to work this past week a bit. The weather has not been the best and a few days I drove because I just didn’t feel up to riding. I could have pushed but when I sense my body resisting I feel it’s best to pass.
This picture was taken on one of the mornings it was raining. The Vespa GTS 250ie has a built in waterproof seat cover that’s stored under the seat. It’s a little slippery to sit on but it keeps the seat in good shape. The MotoFizz bag on back also has I nice waterproof cover too.
More snow is called for today even though it is sunny with clear blue skies right now. I could be out riding but first I need to go to the grocery store for one of those big shopping trips.
That sure looks peaceful. What a great way to relax.
Great Photo… Love the perspective of the Photo in the canoe!
Happy Photo Hunting…
Canooing is a rare experience much less that I would like it to be. Your photographs are beautiful.
Your canoe photograph is so beautiful!
Welcome to Photo Hunt :))
Steve: Fine photographs as always. The triangular design elements in the canoe photo make the shot. I also particularly like the Lone Sign too. Have you ever gone further up Sinking Valley to Arch Spring?….
Lovely photos! 🙂 I horseback ride and I definitely consider it a hobby, although I only take lessons once a week.
You have a real talent for photography!
Water really gives a person peace… It’s a nice hobby 🙂
Welcome to Photo Hunt and you’ve done an awesome job in presenting your work. I especially love the canoeing picture as well.
🙂
Welcome to the Photo Hunt and I really like the photo of the canoe. That does seem like it would be relaxing and peaceful.
Wow your first photo is amazing
Welcome to the Photo Hunt:-) The photo you selected is absolutely breathtaking!! One of my brothers and I use to love going canoeing every summer and this photo has brought back so many memories:-) Have a wonderful weekend!
You have a great talent with a camera! A peaceful canoe ride sounds like heaven. And welcome to Photo Hunt!
Thanks to all you other Photo Hunters and for your kind words. I’ll try and stay in the hunt over the coming weeks and months.
paul: I’ve been to Arch Spring and Tytoona Cave. Beautiful area. I look forward to more exploration there soon.
The canoe looks so peaceful, and the Vespa looks like great fun!
Welcome to Photo Hunters 🙂
This is a gorgeous picture! I can feel the serenity and quiet peace of the lake. Truly a relaxing hobby.
Man, steve, those are some great shots! I worked in pro labs from the time I was eighteen to thirty two. Ad campaigns for magazines, you name it. Some of our guys would enter contests just for the fun of it and they did pretty well. What I see when I look at your work is so reminescent of the great stuff I was lucky to see for a job. You really are on that level. I’ll bet companies that own motorcycle magazines would love to give you space on their pages. Maybe even Scoot magazine or something like that. You really have a knack for predicting what will make a great image and that’s pretty rare.
I’m not so sure the seat cover is meant to be sat upon. Put it over the seat while you’re at work, remove it before the ride home and you have a dry-ish seat to sit on.
Imagining you riding on the seat cover in the blizzard takes the challenge to a whole new level!
Oh wow, that first photo is amazing!
so relaxing
great photos