I haven't posted on here in at least a month since my move to Austin, TX. I thought I'd say a quick hello to the forum and let you all know that I am missing Colorado more than ever. Some of you may remember why we moved down here: family. In some ways, I'm starting to second guess my decision. It's easy, at least for me, to glamorize and romanticize situations that I may be in, like being down here in Austin with family. But when you are actually in that once imagined situation you start to wonder what you were thinking.
I think I fully realize now, really for the first time, how therapeutic mountains are for me. Being able to look at Pikes Peak every day was more calming and peaceful than I ever realized. I told my wife last night that it is a feeling I don't think could ever be duplicated in Austin, or anywhere in Texas for that matter. Without sounding too negative, I am getting out and taking pictures, but I'm finding the subjects a little less inspiring and the opportunities not as enticing.
Thanks for letting me vent. I've been enjoying your pictures very much. In a lot of ways, more than you guys know, your images are becoming windows that allow me to, for a few precious moments a day, feel like I'm back "home". Thanks for that.
Posted by Morris McClung on September 2, 2009 at 11:14 PM
What were you thinking?
As a former Texan, I sincerely hope I never have to go back permanently. I grew up where there was nothing but mesquites and oil wells. At least you are in an attractive part of Texas. Good luck, and keep looking. There are places to shoot.
Posted by Jesse Speer on September 2, 2009 at 11:23 PM
BEEN THERE, done that ... years ago. I sympathize greatly. I'd say give it a few months, at least. The appreciation of your own backyard will grow exponentially, the more you get out. The country around Austin is not unattractive. Hit up my friend Michael Hodges if you want some add'l info on exploring/photographing that part of the country ... http://www.michael-hodges.com/
Thanks for the feedback. I agree, there are definitely uglier places in Texas, but we also happened to move at a time when this part of the state is experiencing its hottest summer EVER and one of its worst droughts EVER. Things aren't looking very pretty right now. However, there are beautiful places and I have been shooting it.
Morris,
This move to Texas is temporary, whatever that means. I'm hoping no longer than 5 years, but maybe it will end up being just one.
Jesse,
So, when you say you've "been there" did you end up going back to the mountains?
Posted by Erik Aagaard on September 2, 2009 at 11:36 PM
I was about to say that you didn't pick a great time to move to Austin - three months of unrelenting heat and two years of drought don't result in a pretty landscape. But I promise you this: Springtime in the Hill Country, once the rain comes back, can't be beat. Being knee-deep in bluebonnets and paintbrush, smelling their perfume, can make you forget all the world's problems.
Posted by Joe Rogers on September 3, 2009 at 1:01 AM
I guarantee there are many worst places that you could be than in Austin, Tx. The cultural scene is great.....lot of music and art and a laid back atmosphere....the official slogan is "Keep Austin Weird" As said before, now is not a good time to be there....unbearably hot coupled with a three year drought. The Hill Country is stunning photographicly in the spring with all the wild flowers......trip down to Frederickburg and Kerville for Octoberfest....great German food and more beer than you can imagine......explore that part of Texas....I think youll find something to like
Joe Rogers
Posted by Jack Brauer on September 3, 2009 at 3:15 AM
I know the feeling... I've moved quite a bit in the past, after college, and I know now that I am highly affected by the place I'm living. When I did move away from the mountains it was almost unbearable for me.
At least you are experimenting and if you do end up moving back to Colorado someday, you'll be all the more content because you won't be wondering anymore what it would be like to live close to family in TX instead.
Man, I could feel the emotion in your words. It will work itself out - one way or another. For the time being, I'd suggest giving yourself a photo assignment and immerse yourself, as best you can.
Posted by Brian Jackson on September 3, 2009 at 3:40 PM
I would agree with you that the mountains are very therapeutic. Each morning I look out of my bedroom window and I have a full view of Mt Evans. Seems to just put you in a better mood.
As for missing Colorado I can only give you a different outlook on where your at. I grew up in Western Kansas of which many people would say is about as bland and bare as you can find. I personally didn't see any beauty in it when I lived there. Now I look back and keep thinking of all the photography that is actually possible there. The open prairie, golden wheat fields, Castle Rock Badlands, spring thunderstorm, unique run down barns, etc.. I bet there is a lot more out there then you think. Your just thinking of what's in Colorado and overlooking what you have there. Easy to do as I explained.
When you do move back to Colorado, you most likely will be kicking yourself in butt that you didn't go and take advantage of the unique photos that only Texas provides.
Hope this helps.
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on September 3, 2009 at 10:19 PM
Hey, Justin, my sympathies. I just finished a 9 yr. "temporary" assignment in Houston.
Austin would have been heaven. Take advantage of having the hill country as your backyard. But, yes, the record heat and drought probably make it look dismal at the moment, but I'm sure the fall through spring will perk up your spirits.
Be sure to get over to Big Bend and the Guadeloupes.
Another thing to consider is the great birding opportunites in Texas. It took me a couple of years to "discover", but once I got a 500mm lens, it opened up another whole world of opportunities and friends.
Posted by Mike Sellers on September 5, 2009 at 6:57 AM
Back in the 70`s when I was in Durango I always heard this saying "Tis a Privilege to Live in Colorado" so I know how you feel. Sure, there are pictures here in Ohio in the Fall and Spring but I really like the mountains of Colorado. I would like to have had John Fielders career!
Posted by Kelly Black on September 6, 2009 at 12:43 AM
Hi Justin,
My sympathies are with you. I pray you will be able to return soon. In time, I'm sure you will find lots of beautiful shooting opportunities in your area. Keep us posted.
Have come from Ohio I can sympathize with you; it's boring and flat state with very little inspiration for landscape images. They would have to drag my kicking and screaming back. Hopefully you can make it back to Colorado sometime in your life.
I hear ya. I lived in upstate NY for 27 years. Visited 50 states by age 25 and knew that Colorado would be a 'livable' solution for me. For me there are about 5 places I would consider living in the states with Denver being as far east as I will ever live again. Good luck to you and I hope you can find your way back to your Colorado home soon. Just remember you always have friends up here.
Discussion
13 repliesI think I fully realize now, really for the first time, how therapeutic mountains are for me. Being able to look at Pikes Peak every day was more calming and peaceful than I ever realized. I told my wife last night that it is a feeling I don't think could ever be duplicated in Austin, or anywhere in Texas for that matter. Without sounding too negative, I am getting out and taking pictures, but I'm finding the subjects a little less inspiring and the opportunities not as enticing.
Thanks for letting me vent. I've been enjoying your pictures very much. In a lot of ways, more than you guys know, your images are becoming windows that allow me to, for a few precious moments a day, feel like I'm back "home". Thanks for that.
As a former Texan, I sincerely hope I never have to go back permanently. I grew up where there was nothing but mesquites and oil wells. At least you are in an attractive part of Texas. Good luck, and keep looking. There are places to shoot.
Thanks for the feedback. I agree, there are definitely uglier places in Texas, but we also happened to move at a time when this part of the state is experiencing its hottest summer EVER and one of its worst droughts EVER. Things aren't looking very pretty right now. However, there are beautiful places and I have been shooting it.
Morris,
This move to Texas is temporary, whatever that means. I'm hoping no longer than 5 years, but maybe it will end up being just one.
Jesse,
So, when you say you've "been there" did you end up going back to the mountains?
Joe Rogers
At least you are experimenting and if you do end up moving back to Colorado someday, you'll be all the more content because you won't be wondering anymore what it would be like to live close to family in TX instead.
As for missing Colorado I can only give you a different outlook on where your at. I grew up in Western Kansas of which many people would say is about as bland and bare as you can find. I personally didn't see any beauty in it when I lived there. Now I look back and keep thinking of all the photography that is actually possible there. The open prairie, golden wheat fields, Castle Rock Badlands, spring thunderstorm, unique run down barns, etc.. I bet there is a lot more out there then you think. Your just thinking of what's in Colorado and overlooking what you have there. Easy to do as I explained.
When you do move back to Colorado, you most likely will be kicking yourself in butt that you didn't go and take advantage of the unique photos that only Texas provides.
Hope this helps.
Austin would have been heaven.
Be sure to get over to Big Bend and the Guadeloupes.
Another thing to consider is the great birding opportunites in Texas. It took me a couple of years to "discover", but once I got a 500mm lens, it opened up another whole world of opportunities and friends.
My sympathies are with you. I pray you will be able to return soon. In time, I'm sure you will find lots of beautiful shooting opportunities in your area. Keep us posted.
I hear ya. I lived in upstate NY for 27 years. Visited 50 states by age 25 and knew that Colorado would be a 'livable' solution for me. For me there are about 5 places I would consider living in the states with Denver being as far east as I will ever live again. Good luck to you and I hope you can find your way back to your Colorado home soon. Just remember you always have friends up here.
RichieV