Last week, I traveled to Palm Desert, California to meet up with family from Wisconsin who were in the desert for vacation. Cousin Daniel and Uncle Howard are big golfers. For as long as I can remember they have played golf. Their hotel room was located next to the 17th tee box. It was the golden hour, so I suggested to Daniel that we take some pictures before the sky turned jet black. Having never photographed golf before I thought this would be the best time to get some experience. Daniel changed into his golfing gear and we headed to the tee box with golf club and camera in hand.
Nervous that I would get hit by the ball, my first images were wide and poorly composed. After building some confidence I got closer and framed tighter. Still not satisfied because of the busy background of the street and hotel, I started to circle around the tee box. Arriving behind the tee box, I noticed Daniel’s reflection in the water. From this point of view, the background was free of distractions and gave a stronger sense of place. I framed the scene and waited for Daniel to strike the ball.
Daniel and Howard played a full round of golf the following day but I was unable to join them. (A disappointment for photography and for family-time.) It would have been a great experience to accompany them for 18 holes.
I admire your work, I have been following you for a couple of months now. You are so talented!