Anhui Dawn Fisherman

     After spending a number of weeks photographing in the nearby Huangshan Mountains, I wanted to take some time off and just relax a bit around the smaller lakes in Anhui Province of China. I needed the down time away from photography but, for me, it was a desire I could never fully let go of. I was out and about before dawn one morning and decided to sit quietly by a still lakeside to do some peaceful meditation. Yes, I brought the camera with me. I settled in before the light of the coming dawn started to turn the night into day as fog began to appear over the water. It was like watching life unfold in slow motion.

     I enjoyed the experience and let it soak in as a picture that I could carry with me forever. No camera required. I felt content in a tranquil world with no thoughts of photography. That feeling was quickly shattered as a lone fisherman rowed out slowly from the far shore through the heavy fog. I could just make out the boat and its occupant. It was enough for my imagination to start ringing loud bells as a framed painting of the scene flashed into mental existence. Without thinking about it twice, out came the camera and I went to work as the rising sunlight turned the fog into a luminescent golden hue and set the mood for the scene.