Leathery Leaf

There are rare days when I make many extraordinary photographs in a short period. After months without interesting work, I suddenly produce several excellent and unique pieces within hours or minutes. I have been unable to reproduce the conditions at will – I can only make photographs often and place myself in situations where success may happen. It is frustrating but inspiring: even in blank environments, I feel like I am surrounded by beauty waiting to be unlocked.

This leaf, sectioned by carpenter ants, was a thing I would have passed by, my mind swimming with busywork, searching for grander and more obvious photographs. But on this day, in this muted but contrasty light of a tropical canyon, I saw the leaves and many other things for what they were: possibilities, gestures, expressions ready to be made.

I spent 20 minutes with the leaf, kneeling in a warm brook, exploring it from all angles, toying with depth of field and the posture of the ragged holes. I was utterly absorbed. When I finally stretched upright again, I was surprised to see a troop of monkeys eyeing me curiously from the jungle edge.