More Than A Rock

(Title Stolen from Guy Tal)

This is an image of a rock. But it is More Than a Rock to me. What drew me into taking this photograph was the story or, instead, the mystery of the rock. A colorful pink and blueish rock perched perfectly on the dark black basalt on the North Shore of Lake Superior. The contrast of color and the difference in the type of rock is otherworldly. I had imagined some outer space alien placing this sizable stone on the rock ledge for a spaceman ritual. Intending to call out to the others of its species to begin their invasion of Earth. It is, however, far more likely that the rock was caught in a significant ice heave in the winter. And once the ice began to melt, it simply left the rock behind to sit on its new throne among the dark rocks.

These two stories make this image a photograph of more than a rock. One scenario is just my imagination at play. The other is a perfectly logical and fascinating explanation of how this rock got here. Both str the imagination, give pause and let you imagine alien visitors or just marvel at the power of nature. The best part is that each person who views this image will create their own story about this rock, giving it a different adventure or significance.

Over time, this photograph of a rock has begun to mean something more to me. I took this image close to my home in Duluth, MN. And as I travel quite a bit for my “day job,” I find myself feeling homesick from time to time. Looking at this photograph can transport me back home, even if just in my mind, which makes this significantly “More Than A Rock.” It is my connection to home.

So whether it is a story, a representation of the miracles of nature, or a connection to a specific place or time in one's life, photography can be so much more than “Just a Rock.”

P.s.

I recommend the book “More Than a Rock” by Guy Tal. It is a fantastic exploration of the art of Landscape Photography and the importance of creating art for yourself.