Description

The title of this piece references a quote by John Muir: “Into the woods I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.” Behind this shot is the story of how I found what I was looking for in the woods and off the trail. On this photography trip, I was hunting for beauty, but at the same time consumed by financial worries over stepping into the unknown as a full-time photographer. It was hard to stay focused. As I entered the woods that day, my mind was in turmoil. I soon came across a beautiful stream, but getting the perfect shot required leaving the trail. I fell down and lost my lens cap over a cliff, but eventually I clambered down to the water. It was worth it. This magical scene came into view, chasing my worries away. In that moment, I remembered that quote, and knew Muir was right. Here in the woods, I lost my stressed mind, and found peace for my soul. I’m so glad I left the trail— the trail that morning, as well as the “trail” of my previous career. It was so worth it.