I have worked in hot humid conditions before with my Salton Sea series which although uncomfortable, was also very rewarding. Adding smoke from the recent fires in California and the current heatwave certainly makes things unique and interesting, but I would rather neither existed.
The journey continues..
As mentioned previously, I love the fact that despite what goes on around me, the desert never changes; The same light, the same heat, and a quiet stillness you only find in a desert environment, and more often than not, void of people, especially in the daytime.
The decision to shoot in the middle of the day has many benefits. No people (as mentioned) because its just too hot, no need for a tripod, (because its very, very bright. ) And a freedom to move quickly (often forced as its so hot). Spending very little time in these places means I am shooting instinctively with less pondering over subject matter. So often in the past I would talk myself out of making an image simply because I spent so long 'waiting' for the light to change and would over thinking things. These images are very different with a quick in and out approach, but I would never call them snap shots..
My wife (a celebrated portrait photographer) was once approached by a client who said;
"Why do you get paid so much for shooting a portrait when it only takes five minutes.."
Her answer;
"Because I can do it in five minutes.."
The quest continues....
