I’ve begun a new project, inspired by the photographers involved with the Images for Conservation Fund and their Pro-Tour events. Those photographers compete over 30 days on selected ranches in Texas; the prizes are substantial and their work is excellent.
My project has a few differences: I will be photographing over the course of a year (at a minimum) and I will be focusing on a particular spot, rather than thousands of acres of ranch land. It is, essentially, a study of the diversity of life, both plant and animal, and of the visual variety to be discovered at a single location with latitude and longitude of 39° 44′ 49″ N 105° 10′ 21″ W. I began in September 2010 and will make weekly visits until August 2011. Then, we’ll see how satisfied I am with the work, the diversity of life, and the spot.
The chosen location sits at the urban-wildlands interface on South Table Mountain in Golden, Colorado. Though it seems to be great habitat for things like deer, multiple bird species, and myriad insects and plants, it is also surrounded by developed areas. To the south sits the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and, to the north, there is a test track for the Colorado State Police. The choice of such a location, on the margins between urban development and rich habitat was deliberate.
The site has already provided interesting experiences–and, I believe, some interesting photography.
