The Sentinel of Lake Martin

I didn't go to Lake Martin with a shot list or a plan. It was one of those days where I was just trying to notice. I sat down at a picnic table at Wind Creek, staring out at a gray lake under a gray sky, the kind of afternoon where nothing feels especially photogenic. Then I noticed something bobbing out in the water.

At first, I didn't even know what it was. Every time a boat passed, it pushed in a little closer to shore. I just sat there and watched.

Ten minutes, maybe more. And when it finally stood upright near the bank, I thought, "All right, you've earned a photograph."

The day was so muted that converting it to black and white wasn't really an artistic declaration. It was just honest. That's how it felt to me. Flat light, low contrast in real life. And this lone piece of driftwood standing there.

I didn't force mood onto it. I just let it be exactly what it was.

Looking back, Sentinel of Lake Martin isn't about dramatic light or perfect conditions. It's about attention. Choosing to sit still and notice.

Technical specs.

Camera:Sony A7 IV,

Lens: Sony 28 to 70 mm,shot at 70 mm,

Aperture: f 5.6

Shutter: 1/1600

Available as fine art.

Sentinel of Lake Martin is available as part of my Still Waters & Reflections Collection