“Capturing Alaska”
with Wayde Carroll






It’s All in the Details!



One of the most exciting aspects of photography to me is being able to create art out of my surroundings. With photography I’m not inventing, or recreating, a world like a painter or sculptor, but making one view of reality into something interesting. I love scanning over a scene and pulling out something visually striking weather it be as obvious as a patch on a multi colored hillside, or as minute as the reflection in water droplets on a leaf.
Usually when I go out shooting I am either on assignment trying to capture specific subject matter or trying to build up my stock image files by capturing several preconceived ideas. This is exciting and fulfilling and the opportunities to be creative are endless but I still have a need to feed my souls’ desire to create art for the sake of art. One way I do this is by paying close attention to the details. On their own textures, colors, unique lighting, reflections, and patterns, can be used to create interesting photos.
It isn’t often that I get to just go out to play and experiment with my cameras so I get my art fix wherever I find it. No matter what I’m out for my eye is always searching out that visually exciting detail. One thing I’ve learned is this: Always carry your camera and if you see something that excites you, shoot it! Too many times I said to myself “ I’ll come back and get that when I’m done” only to find that the lighting is no longer interesting or I simply never get back to that spot due to time constraints. Now, I take the photo!
It surprises me and makes me very happy that I can look at an image, say a detail of ice, and no matter how abstract, I know exactly when and where I took that image. The details usually have more of an impact on me than the typical views.
So, even if you have preconceived notions of what you’re going out to shoot, keep an eye open for that interesting detail that will tell a story in itself. I have many favorite images that were taken while I was out shooting something else. If you see something you like, don’t save it for later. You may never see it the same again.