While traversing the old, abandoned towns of Bodie and Molson, I realized some of the lighting being cast was beautiful and worth trying to use.

I’ve learned, over the last year, especially, that I am much stronger at utilizing strobe than I am at using natural light. As such, I am working to utilize natural light more, to create the effect I am after. Though I also have some projects I’m working towards that will be single off camera flash., another fun challenge.

So why natural light and why now? By learning to use multiple light sources, proficiently, I can better create the effects I am after. If I don’t practice, a lot, then I will never become profient enough to meet my own criteria’s, and what better time to try than when with a group of friends that create a Circle of Safety.

I will admit, though, I did not go on this trip with the thought in mind “I’m going to do portraiture in natural light.” In fact, I didn’t think I would take a lot of “people” photos, at all.

We stood in Bodie, after driving several hours, and started photographing old, abandoned buildings. Wandering in and out of decrepit structures, watching floorboards for snakes, holes, and any other thing that might cause harm. As I stood across the street, staring at the second story of a lone building, a friend stepped out of the building, creating an image in my head that I had to capture.

The Lense flare, in this photo, felt fitting. While the lighting still isn’t correct, the overall image felt interesting and fun, to me. Especially with the feeling of nostalgia and newer clothing with an older styled building.

We left Bodie and travelled on to Molson, going through the backroads of Okanagan County. The drive was only about 20 miles between Bodie and Molson, though it was a lot of paved country roads and a number of cattle.

When we got to Molson, we didn’t know what to expect. As it was already getting later into the day, we didn’t make it to the schoolhouse, but we did make it around most of Molson.

Molson has been set up as a museum, with a number of standing buildings in their traditional setups. Our group dispursed through the town, taking photos and exploring. The first building I entered was set up as an old one room house like structure. A friend came in after me and the light pouring through the window was this beautiful gentle light that created a contrast on the chair beside it. I decided this was the perfect lighting to play with, and convinced Leann to sit and let me photograph her. These turned out fun and looked amazing in black and white, though a bit dark.

At one point, my daughter looked over at me, carrying her camera and dressed for the heat of the valley. Again, the lighting hit in a way that caught my attention. This photo reminded me of something out of the 70’s and felt like it was best in black and white, a style I appreciate.

As we left Molson, I felt a sense of nostalgia and hope to return and explore more. The little towns along this journey spoke to time, travel, and adventure.