It’s been a long nearly 1.5 years since COVID 19 changed all of our lives forever. Like others, there have been many things that I’ve taken for granted over the years that just STOPPED during the pandemic. To include everything that’s taken a hiatus would be a very long list for me, but thankfully over the course of the last 2 weeks I’ve been able to claw back some normalcy in regards to a few things as related to my photography. At least for now.

2 weekends ago I was able to get out with Eric Wright to make a short Saturday day trip to the Lancaster, Ohio area. This marks the first time I’ve been able to travel in the same car with another photographer to a location for the purpose of just creating. It was so nice to have an in-person conversation during a long drive!

While in the area we visited an abandoned church on a nearly forgotten road, and also spent time photographing the waterfalls at Rock Mill. I was able to get some great shots with my InfraRed camera in addition to my film cameras. I’ve been asked lately to cover my InfraRed process in more detail so look for a future entry in regards to that.

The day was capped off by some great food and beer at Rock Mill Brewery - a stop that I highly recommend if you are in the area! Also, although Eric and I didn’t have time to make it there on this trip, another place to check out is Mount Pleasant near downtown Lancaster. I stopped there myself a few weeks before while on a solo adventure and was blown away by the views of the town. I think there is a great possibility for some storm or sunrise/sunset photography from this location.

This past week, I shot my first theatrical performance in over 1.5 years - The Fantasticks. This was held at the beautiful John Legend Theater in Springfield, Ohio. To be honest, when I was asked to shoot it I was a little afraid that I’d be too rusty and forget what I was doing, but thankfully once the event got underway it all came back to me quickly. Shooting theatrical events is super challenging in regards to technique, equipment, and capturing the right moments. I think the challenge is what I enjoy so much about it.

I know that near the end of 2019 I was getting a little burnt on shooting local performances, mainly because there was another photographer that would insert herself at the events, and immediately after each show supply sub-par images plastered to the social media pages of the organizers and groups. The fact that this photographer also got in the way when my second shooter and I were trying to capture critical moments also was problematic. I finally stated before the Fantastics that if the director and crew wanted professional results, myself and my second shooter were to be the only photographers allowed to shoot the event - otherwise its a waste of many hours of my time and efforts. Thankfully they agreed, and we were able to work unhindered to supply some great work. I don’t normally like having to speak up and say something, but this was one incident where I needed to stand my ground. I hope going forward I can continue to work with the local groups and provide quality work without issues - because I really enjoy the work!

And, finally, my wildlife photography has started to get back into full swing. I was able to get out a lot over the last two weekends to shoot at multiple locations around the area - both by myself and with others.  

When I used to work in the bicycle industry, often I would get asked about why did I live and work in Ohio instead of somewhere on the west coast where the majority of the bike companies were. My answer always included, among other reasons, the fact that Ohio has SO MANY great parks. I think people have taken this for granted in the past, but maybe less during the last 1.5 years, as our parks have been inundated with a large number of people trying to get outside and exercise. I’ve seen more people at parks lately than I ever have, and while that introduces more stress on our trail systems and management crews, ultimately its a good thing.

What has began to get back to normal in your life? Are there things that are starting back up again for you? Or, are you trying something new now that life is starting to open up again, if only for a short while?

Thanks for reading, and stay safe out there!

Jeremy