“The Beauty on the Knobs May Make You Cry”
On July 5th at Somme Prairie Grove, the magnificent blooms upon the knobs of the savanna came to life in the warmth of the morning light.
“The beauty on the knobs may make you cry,” were my words to my nature guru, Steve Packard, as we unexpectedly met along the trail, as we often do. But as I was speaking those words of joy, I was filling up with anxiety wondering how I could make a picture that would deliver on those words. As I traverse the trails around the knobs, my heart fills with joy. And then comes the dread. Intense beauty is an intense struggle.
There’s a big difference between taking a picture of something magical and making a magical picture. Over four long days and sleepless nights, the adventure began at three the next morning and for two more cockcrows.
The savanna may appear open to the skies. And it appears that way to me when I’m just walking around. But when I flip the switch from hiker to photographer, every tree ascends into view. Each trunk, branch, and bough become potential obstructions of the glorious and ephemeral light. Clouds often join the blockade. And don’t get me started on the wind.
Then there’s the brain’s infatuation with vibrant color. And the knobs have all that and more: the purples of leadplant and prairie clover, alabaster sprays of wild quinine, sparkling filigrees of mountain mint, and the small smattering of orange butterfly weed that tries to steal the show while often not being in a great spot for a great shot. And don’t forget the sublime mops of dropseed, the bottlebrushes of mountain mint, and the hearts of prairie dock. My wish was to make one photograph that includes all this. Yet, I should know better. In photography, less is always more. And what’s beautiful to the human eye is rarely beautiful to the camera’s.
Not all wishes can come true. And it’s sometimes for the best. Maybe I’m just there to grant Mother Nature’s wish and, after a little reflection on my part, my wish as well. Yet on the third and final morning mission, our hallowed savanna and sacred star came together to grant my ultimate wish and fundamental goal—proof of my words to Steve, “The beauty on the knobs may make you cry.”
And now I have a new wish. My wish is for you to go out into nature to experience unforgettable moments like this. Hint: They happen every week! And we let you know all about them.
—Mike
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