Posted by Scott Bean on February 7, 2009 at 3:16 PM
I was contacted awhile back by a person from California that had found my website and was in awe of the landscapes in Kansas. This person was born and raised in San Fran and had never been anywhere outside of large cities in California and was really awed at how "empty" and "open" everything was and hoped to make it out to the Midwest sometime to visit. It was a very nice message. I can't even imagine living somewhere where I couldn't be out in 'empty' and 'open' nature within a few minutes drive from my home. I just couldn't survive in a situation like that. Yesterday I was out shooting in Marshall County, and this photo made me really appreciate where I live.
I guess sometimes it is good to be reminded of how good you have it!
Posted by Daniel Loomis on February 7, 2009 at 8:12 PM
Those beautiful vermillion skies over the prairie! Nice capture. Reminds me of home in NW Oklahoma.
Posted by Brad Mangas on February 7, 2009 at 8:31 PM
I couldn't agree with you more Scott. The world is full of awe inspiring places from pole to pole. In my opinion none compare with the open beauty of Kansas with the Flinthills being at the top of my list.
It would have to be a real bummer to drive over 20 miles and still be surrounded by city life.
That's really cool someone from a place like SF CA. is amazed with a place like Kansas, maybe there is some hope for city folk!
I just makes the point even more apparent, There really is "No Place Like Home".
Beautiful shot very well done.Thanks for sharing.
Posted by Ken Bachman on February 7, 2009 at 8:42 PM
"I can't even imagine living somewhere where I couldn't be out in 'empty' and 'open' nature within a few minutes drive from my home. I just couldn't survive in a situation like that."
I know just how you feel Scott. Your recent images certainly do convey a feeling of the openness that one can experience in the prairie. Let's just hope that our favorite landscapes stay that way.
Posted by Rob Graham on February 7, 2009 at 10:38 PM
very nice light on the clouds, and I agree with your sentiments about needing open spaces, I know I wouldn't be happy living in a city
Posted by Wayne Rhodus on February 7, 2009 at 11:42 PM
Here's to open & empty! However I'm not sure I would qualify it as empty, it's more like vast! Sure beats the big city any day!
Posted by Scott Bean on February 8, 2009 at 10:49 AM
I like "vast" much better than empty! Though I do hope it stays mostly "empty" of people!
Posted by Merle Cook on February 10, 2009 at 5:17 PM
Hey Scott, Having been born and raised in a small farming community just north of L.A. (the small valley now has over 300k population) I can identify with the SanFran persons observations. After I was married we traveled to South Central Kansas (Winfield) almost every year to visit my wifes friends and relatives. It reminded me of where I grew up before the crowds found us. When we retired in '99 we moved to central MO and haven't looked back. Folks who have only known the open feel of the land have no idea what the congestion and crowds can do to your psyche.
Great shot - I love the feel of the road leading me to more open views and experiences.
Discussion
7 repliesI guess sometimes it is good to be reminded of how good you have it!
It would have to be a real bummer to drive over 20 miles and still be surrounded by city life.
That's really cool someone from a place like SF CA. is amazed with a place like Kansas, maybe there is some hope for city folk!
I just makes the point even more apparent, There really is "No Place Like Home".
Beautiful shot very well done.Thanks for sharing.
I know just how you feel Scott. Your recent images certainly do convey a feeling of the openness that one can experience in the prairie. Let's just hope that our favorite landscapes stay that way.
Great shot - I love the feel of the road leading me to more open views and experiences.