SerenityAn early fall scene in the Rockfish Valley.

One of my favorite things to do is walk. It is by far my favorite form of exercise, and I often hike trails near where I live on Devil's Knob or in the Rockfish Valley. Sometimes I walk with a friend, but most times I walk alone; the advantage of which is that I get to observe and contemplate whatever is happening in the moment. 

I live in one of the most beautiful places on earth and I draw inspiration from the mountains here in Central Virginia. I am very close to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Appalachian Trail. When I walk I always carry a camera with me. Sometimes it's my phone camera, but most times when I walk I carry a point-and-shoot.  Although I have tripods, polarizing filters, professional camera bodies, and a great wide angle lens, the point-and-shoot is just plain easy to carry. Besides, a camera is a tool and is only as good as the skill of the person who stands behind it. 

When I took this photograph, I was in the Rockfish Valley walking a trail that I have done many times. It's a trail that goes around a lake and through part of a golf course. Crawford's Knob is prominent in the photograph and I have photographed it many, many times. You could say it's my version of El Capitan or Half Dome Rock. It's something that is photographed over and over. As you can see, it's early fall. The beach is empty, the crowds are gone, and all the kids are back at school. It's very serene and I like that. Given the choice, I like to avoid crowds. I guess I am becoming more of a private person as I grow older.

I am a photojournalist. I photograph events and action sports. But when I am shooting just for me, just for the sheer joy of taking a photograph, I love to photograph nature in one of the most beautiful places you can ever be -- Central Virginia.

If you wish to view additional photographs from my little sojourn,  you can do so by clicking here.

Until next time,

Paul