Tuesday, March 6, 2012

The Shire

One of the defining novels in my life has been "The Hobbit" and "Lord of the Rings".  And it's no secret that Tolkien is with me everywhere I go when I do photo shoots.  There is magic everywhere.  I just have to look.  Sometimes it's easy to spot.  Sometimes it's a little more difficult.  But it's always there.
Many times I stand alone on a trail wondering what will show on the path.  Sometimes I experience fear from the dead silence of it all.  These shots were taken on Madera Canyon from the Old Baldy trail.  The images in today's post haunted and fed my imagination.  The trees were dark and quiet.
The Mexican Jay reminded me of Gandalf in the Hobbit during the whole Smaug scene where a blue bird led Bilbo into his fiery layer.
These birdhouses reminded me of the hobbit holes.
The textures.  Plants.  And the stillness of the Shire......
Madera Canyon
.......hidden in the magical forests that surround Madera Canyon.

21 comments:

  1. Very nice shots Chris....i like the last one very much.

    Greetings, Joop

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  2. Wonderful post Chris. "The Hobbit" and "Lord of the Rings" are two of my favourite books although I found "The Silmarillion" hard work! I often visit places too and think how places look as though they have come straight out of a Tolkien book. Love the photos - esepcially the hobbit houses!

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  3. Madera Canyon certainly does seem like a magical place the way you show it. Gorgeous images!

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  4. Lovely. Taking a trip into the primordial forests of Tolkein's stories is always an exercise in reverence and appreciation of beauty.

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  5. Beautiful shots!
    I haven't read the books or seen the movies.
    Maybe I've missed something?
    Have a great day.
    Greetings Mette

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  6. Ale masz wyobraźnie i wspaniałe zdjęcia do tego. Pozdrawiam.*** But you have imagination and great pictures to it. Yours.

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  7. Hi Chris, Madera Canyon looks like a fabulous place... Bet you see something new and different EVERY time you visit that area... Awesome!!!! Keep those great photos coming.
    Betsy

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  8. i love the beauty of nature, no matter the movie reference. :)

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  9. Oh yes, the magic of the desert, or forest or anywhere we can spot these interesting beauties that can transport us from here to there!

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  10. Looks like a real quiet and peaceful place, something I wish I could have :-)

    By the way, in answer to your question you posted on my blog about ''lifers'' ..........well a lifer is a bird or creature you have encountered for the first time ever :-) However, it can also refer to a bird or creature seen for the first time in the area (patch) that you regularly watch, that would be a ''patch'' lifer.....hope this is all clear!

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  11. Finally have viewed some of your pictures really like the forrest mountain picture.
    Dad

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    1. LOL!!! Glad you got to see some of my work:) Love you!

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  12. Great collection of photos. I love that birdhouse. Very unique! The Madera Canyon looks like a beautiful place to visit.

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  13. I agree you are a little touched. (Ha - that was a joke.) You certainly do seem to have the luck of the Hobbit on your photo walks though!

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    1. That's what they all say:) I don't want this weather to end! It has been so nice...windy today but that's okay.

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  14. Hi Rohrebot,
    What an excellent theme to take. I met up with my brother for coffee yesterday. He is a keen photographer, and mentioned that he is looking for new inspiration as he is a little bored. I mentioned this post of yours and sparked a long conversation....thanks!

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    1. Thanks Gary! I had a weekend like that....just didn't feel like photography, but forced myself to go and something always seems to pop out an inspire for the day.....I just never know what it's going to be.

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  15. Love your imagination. I'm in awe of the first picture of that wonderfully gnarled trunk. Yes, indeed, there is magic everywhere if we just bother to notice it. You certainly did a good job of noticing much on your hike. Such a beautiful place!

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    1. Hello there!!! I have to run off to work this morning but I'll be stopping by later on once I get settled in:) Thanks for reading!

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