Photography Blog- Charles Vancampen
This photo is of the Grand Teton Mountains through the view of a window in the Cunningham Cabin which looks out at the mountain range. I chose to post this photo because it frames the mountains like a picture and provides the viewer with a focused vision of the natural beauty.
This photo shows the Grand Tetons illuminated by sunlight just after sunrise. I chose to upload this photo because of the fact that it is a very beautiful scene. I truly enjoyed viewing the new sunlight reflecting off of the mountains. The way the mountains were illuminated was one of the most gorgeous things I have seen and it is truly a once in a lifetime view I wished to share.
This photo was uploaded because it shows another view of the mountains. Instead of looking solely at the mountains the foreground is of a camera lens which is also looking at the mountains, trying to capture the same thing I am. Instead of snapping picture after picture of the same thing in different lighting I tried to mix it up a bit and ended up really liking this picture.
Lastly to show that there were more than just mountains, I photographed the Grand Tetons with the Snake River in the foreground and the flat lands in the middle ground. While the view is still drawn to the mountains, this photo shows that there is more than just beautiful alpine mountains. There is an entirely different landscape beneath the mountains and to leave it out would not do the area justice.
This photo was taken outside of the Moose Junction Visitors Center in Grand Teton National Park. It shows a recycling bin with the mountains in the background. I chose to upload the photo because I thought it was an interesting commentary about how we choose to interact with our surroundings while attempting to minimize impact while driving around in gas-guzzling Suburbans.
I uploaded this photo because it shows a national landmark surrounded by people who traveled hundreds or thousands of miles to see hot water shoot out of the ground. I though this photo was interesting because of the throngs of people rushing to see this natural wonder go off all the while ignoring the surroundings around them. The people in this photo had their blinders on and were focused on one natural beauty, all the while they were surrounded by other natural beauties. I believe this to be symbolic of the way a majority of us live our lives, going full speed ahead, all the while missing the other beautiful, magnificent, and important things all around us.
This picture shows the Old Faithful visitors area from Observation Point high above the geyser. I believe this shows the juxtaposition of people who want to enjoy nature. The majority of people want the convenience of a visitor center, ample parking, and viewing area all the while ignoring that they are destroying or negatively affecting the landscape. This picture shows the sandwich of natural beauty, human structures, and natural beauty. While yes, this environmental destruction has adverse affects on the park it is necessary to make sure people are happy. I just though it was interesting that no one in the area seemed to give it a second thought that they were enjoying “nature” while being in a very commercial and touristy built area.
This photo was taken at one of the various hot springs were visited throughout the day. This photo shows the beauty of the area, however, I thought it was entertaining that while visiting something so harsh and extreme, humans have built a walkway for safety and convenience. This photo is a commentary on the fact that we as humans want everything, no matter how dangerous or extreme to be as safe and easy as possible.
Looking at these photos and others by my pack, the common motif seems to that humans are impacting the environment. Every photo sort of references this and shows the sometimes not so symbiotic relationship between people and nature. Warning signs have to be put up, nature redone, and things like walkways built, all in the attempt to make natural parks safe and enjoyable the majority of visitors. This speaks to the dialogue of the course because the photos show that two great forces must co-exist in the park and the right balance must be struck to make sure this is successful, much like the wolves and ranchers.