I’ve always thought that the best portraits result when the subject is unaware that he is being photographed. Recently, using a telephoto lens, I was able to take such a photo of my husband. He was perched on an isolated 8,000 foot ridge in the Tahoe National Forest, binoculars in hand, absorbed in the view. (If his brow appears furrowed, it is because he is trying to determine if a white speck in the distance is Sardine Lookout–a tower miles away but at comparable elevation. We visited Sardine Lookout earlier that day.) In the background a bank of clouds lends an ethereal feeling to the image, while in the foreground course dry dirt and brown-edged leaves bring to mind a possible drought. When I gaze at this portrait, it reminds me of everything I love about my husband and our travels together in the Tahoe National Forest. It also transcends the personal and alerts me to how deeply I enjoy an elevated viewpoint. Higher ground. Lifting my eyes toward heaven.
Where God Takes Me 
Very nice portrait Viv!
Thank you! I was delighted with the results, it was one of those photos I wasn’t sure about when I was shooting… 🙂
Lovely photo! What a way to spend time 🙂
Thank you, Peter! Indeed… 🙂
When one is unaware, then the real personality is visible. Great shot, Viv.
I want to let you know that this post did not show up on my Reader. This has been happening to quite a lot of blogs, including mine. I only saw it, because I now manually check the blogs I’m following every few days.
Thanks, Julie. 🙂
And thanks for the FYI! I recently saw a complaint by a wordpress.org user that her posts weren’t showing up on the Reader but thought the problem was unique. I’ve signed up to receive emails when bloggers I’m following post but, given this new development, need to update my list.
Love the perspective & the colors in the photo. Nice job of staying quiet and capturing that photo when he wasn’t looking! 🙂
Thank you so much Daisy! That compliment means a lot coming from you–I so admire your recent portraits of your young friend…
I completely agree with a candid shot, one gets the truest expression. This is a wonderful perspective and I’m happy to have found you today. I subscribed. Very inspirational.
Thank you for writing me such a nice note. Your kindness has brightened my day. I just visited your site and could see immediately that you and your family are light-filled and joyous. I loved your reflections on faith today and look forward to more. 🙂 Viv
I couldn’t agree more…I love to capture my subjects when they are in action and showing their personalities. Great photo of your husband…you should hang this in your home.
Thank you so much for your very kind note. I do plan to hang it but haven’t found the right frame yet… 🙂
Today I choose you for the award called blog your heart out. I love your heart for God and you are of great encouragment to this stranger over here, but sister in Christ of course so I suppose strangers we are not;) http://lifeinthewyldewest.wordpress.com/2013/10/17/my-very-first-blog-award/
I am delighted to receive this award from you. I love your blog, it continually amuses and amazes me with its intimacies and levity. Our sisterhood in Christ is a cherished bond.
One day I will post again on my blog but for the most part right now, I am very busy with a different sort of life than is described here. When I look back on the years that my husband and I spent in joy, solitude and fellowship with God in the desert and other wildernesses, I feel that I have been blessed beyond imagination. In this other life I have much to learn and to attend to. Sometimes I miss the desert terribly. Some weeks I spend too many long hours on the computer. When that happens and I begin to feel oppressed or claustrophobic, I read your blog and laugh and smile. More than once, tears of joy have welled in my eyes.
God bless you. Thank you for this award and for your friendship. 🙂 Viv
What an awesome capture! loved it… you are so lucky to have such a wonderful partner who shares many interests with you. This indeed is a way to live- enjoying every bit of life with a wonderful partner for company! 🙂
Please convey my regards to uncle.
I am indeed blessed. And we feel as if you are a part of our little family. We are always so delighted to hear your news. Uncle joins me in conveying congratulations to you on the completion of your studies!
Thank you so much for making me a part of your wonderful family, dearest Viv. I feel so honored. This bond that we share is so strong, that the physical distance is of little relevance. My thanks & regards to uncle. By the way, I missed mentioning this in my previous comment- uncle looks so much like Hugh Grant is this pic… 🙂
My first visit, and already I feel at home. Thank you for your encouraging and uplifting anecdotes, Viv. And for visiting Gwichyaa Zhee. Best wishes and safe journeys to you and your husband!
Thank you so much for stopping by, Dave, I am delighted to meet you and that you enjoy the blog. Your photography is blissful, I was instantly transported to the wilderness and beyond. Will visit often. Happy trails! Warmly, Viv