Lovers Leap

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Cole H.

• Artist Statement

  This picture is worth more than just 1,000 words. This location is special, secluded from all civilization, 50 miles from the nearest road, and buried deep in the New Mexico wilderness. This was taken at Philmont scout ranch, a perfectly preserved natural environment, and took 7 days of backpacking over mountains, through thunderstorms, rain, blistering heat, and much more. At one of the highest elevations of the trip, this was the perfect opportunity. The location is known as lovers leap and has the greatest view imaginable. As soon as I looked into the horizon I pulled out my camera and cinematic teal and orange filter I use for most of my scenic photos. The extra weight in my backpack for this photo was definitely worth it and helps tell the story. The story of this photo is not just the sloping trees or perfect clouds, it is the countless hours preparing for this trek, or the trail conversations, or even the bland trail food we ate huddled around a campfire. This is more than just a photo, this is a story, the story of one of the few moments where it was not dumping rain, one of the few times we were not at the mercy of Mother Nature. This is the story of Philmont, told from a split second capture of lovers leap.

• Creative Statement

  Exploring and expressing my creativity helps me relax and de stress. It also helps me express myself in a special way through my art and photography.