I got some pretty interesting shots of the balcony at night. It was so scary out there at night in the cold. I stayed out there with my gear and nodded off periodically to where it felt like I was doing nothing. When the light came up I made some interesting abstractions but I have no idea how or even if they fit into this project. I feel like I'm not getting anywhere so much of the time I'm up there but then when I get back here and sort, edit, look something comes clearer to me. I think I'm going to make a book out of this but it may be many more trips before I have something that makes sense to a viewer.
I got some really nice shots on the back from the trip. I think I might try and incorporate some of these landscape shots. Not what I normally tend to shoot but there is something about them that describes my frame of mind for this project. I hope I got some good film shots. It's been so long since I've shot much b&w that I forgot how labor and time intensive it is. I am enjoying the anticipation in a way. If I get some good ones, I'll post them as soon as I process & scan them...
I followed a few of the "missions" and was certain he might see me or recognize me at any moment but I think I got some good stuff. The above image is where I entered the woods on the North East side of his house. It is so gorgeous up there. I crept into the woods and hung here until it got a bit darker. I kept worrying about the car and if anyone would wonder why it was just sitting on the side of the road. I got in pretty close but not many good shots from across the street to the East. I decided the next day to go back to "my spot" across the street on the West side of the street.
I was scared away by my last trip because of how terrified I was when I thought I almost got caught (or so I thought). I can't describe how scared I was. I almost decided to scrap this project all together but then I met this student who gave me the help I needed exactly at the right moment. He put together some "missions" for me to help me gain better access both during the day and at night. He told me that he works as a military contractor mapping missions and that he wanted to help me with my project. He had some pretty excellent advice about strategies but also equipment and staying discreet. I plan to go up there next week and follow this one at least: Route 1 Danger level 5: Insert here during daylight. Take your camera gear in a purse but leave a case in the car. Display interest in whatever the building contains while doing so eye the perimeter find the least visible potion on the side where the first line it most likely that corner. Enter the forest after checking if there is anyone watching while keeping a casual look as if “meandering”. If you feel people have noticed you go back to your car and put your camera in the camera bag and act as if you are inspired. Also take several pictures before you enter the trees you once you have you will have a short window less than a half hour before people start noticing your absence. Clothing: wear normal clothes but none that are bright for obvious reasons. Make sure you have long clothes on and a light extra layer that you can shed after exiting trees. Secure any long lenses you may need. IMPORTANT: before you enter the parking lot be sure that he is there you have only one opportunity for this route so it is important that he is there. If this scares you to do this while having to inquire you can on a Sunday for example where there will be low volume of inquisitors however this also runs you the risk of standing out.
