Photography by Teresa Hnat: Adventures in Photography...

Between work, working on my portfolio for my CPP, a relationship, and all the regular "life" stuff, stress has been my middle name for the past month and a half. When I woke up this morning I decided I would take some much needed time with just myself and my camera. I set out to explore the Joshua Trust which had been recommended to me by my Aunt. Before leaving I checked the weather. Though the skies weren't clear no rain was expected for the next few hours. Awesome! Overcast skies can make for a nice soft lighting, a photographer's dream.

Halfway to my goal however it began to rain, And not just regular rain, we're talking monsoon rain. I could barely see, people's driveways were actually washing out into the road, and I was hyrdoplaining like crazy. To make matters worse my GPS kept telling me I had "arrived at my destination" even though I wasn't even on the correct road! Several K turns and cuss words later I had finally arrived at my destination. The rain had lessened...slightly. I, however, would not be detered. So gathering my camera, jacket and umbrella, I set out to explore the Joshua Trust.

I will say, I actually do enjoy photographing in the rain. First off all those rain drops on the trees and flowers give the world a mystical feel. The overcast skies create nice soft even light. The watery scheen on everything brings out color and contrast. But my favorite thing, is no one is around. I was completely alone and for a brief hour it was just me, my camera, and the rain. I thought of nothing else but what was right in front of me...