10 Oct
2012
Posted in: General
By    14 Comments

My love story


Three years ago I sat on the plane from Sweden to spend four weeks in the southwest desert and I didn’t know what I was going to see and feel.

When we left Las Vegas for the quiet and peaceful desert something happened. I fell in love. After the first weeks I promised myself to spend at least four weeks each year in the desert and I have been doing that for the past three years. In just a few hours I will leave Sweden for the desert once again.

I feel a connection to the landscape that is very special to me. I love walking in canyons, over sand dunes seeing the sun rise above the harsh and dry landscape.

So why am I telling you this?
Well I´m a true believer in that you have to feel something to make great images. Images made in a landscape you don’t like is just not going to be as good as they can be.
I think that you all have experienced standing in a great landscape without finding the inspiration. But once you find that true connection and have the right feelings the inspiration will come.

In witch landscape do you find your inspiration?

And by the way, on my first trip to the southwest I meet Ian and that´s why I´m here. So a big thanks to Ian for being kind enough to have dinner with a unknown Swede.

About Patrik Larsson (9 Posts)

I am a photographer with a passion for landscapes, from small carefully selected cross-sections to large views. To inspire others with what I love is the best life for me. Previously I worked as a teacher in photography and outdoor activities for some years. Today I work as a freelance photographer and workshop leader. I give courses and lectures for schools, companies and associations.


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14 Comments

  • NilsZ October 10, 2012 at 6:53 am

    With my finnish roots i often traveled through your swedish country but not with photography in mind.
    Next year, if you see a unknown photographer wandering around – just say “Hej”

    • Patrik Larsson October 11, 2012 at 12:36 pm

      Thanks for your comment. You could just say “moi” instead of hej :)

  • Dirk M. October 10, 2012 at 9:46 am

    Excellent detail in this photo. I like the very prominent leading line starting between the foreground rocks that seems to weave through the bottom 2/3 of the composition.

    Enjoy your weeks in the Southwest.

    • Patrik Larsson October 11, 2012 at 12:37 pm

      Thanks Dirk! I will enjoy every minute. Hope to have new images and thoughts to share with you when I get home.

  • Bill Chambers October 10, 2012 at 9:57 am

    Gorgeous image Patrik! Years back I moved to west Texas for business. I was NOT happy about the move, at least until I got out there and, much like you, discovered the beauty of the desert. I absolutely fell in love with it. We have since moved back to the Florida beach to be close to family, but I miss the west Texas landscape terribly. I see your images and others and want so badly to see the rest of the west as well.

    • Patrik Larsson October 11, 2012 at 12:39 pm

      There is something special about the desert Bill. A clarity I don’t see in many other places.

  • Kurt Budliger October 11, 2012 at 9:48 am

    Have fun Patrik, can’t wait to see the images when you get back.

    • Patrik Larsson October 11, 2012 at 12:39 pm

      Oh I will! The desert never disappoints me :)

  • Ian Plant October 11, 2012 at 1:51 pm

    And thank you Patrik for inviting an unknown American out to dinner! Lovely image.

  • Michael Flaherty October 11, 2012 at 11:08 pm

    I’m two days or so from 4-corners area, then a swing through a landscape that fires my imagination as well. I think the high mountains and clear streams have a slight edge though. Have fun!!

  • Patrick October 12, 2012 at 12:00 am

    I’m very envious of you being able to spend a few weeks in the desert wandering around. Nice post. I just spent a few days in the Colorado mountains trying to catch some of the fall color, that might be my single most favorite time and place of the year. The desert isn’t too far behind though.

  • Pia Lonardi October 13, 2012 at 11:05 am

    I live on an island just outside Helsinki, Finland. The biggest inspiration for me have been the rocky shores here and the mountains around lake Garda in northern Italy. Walking around these landscapes make my heart beat a little bit faster, but my mind rests. These are the places that inspire me. Thanks for this post, it was an inspiring read! Best of luck with your journey! (:

  • landscapers las vegas October 22, 2012 at 5:30 pm

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  • Terry Wilson October 30, 2012 at 1:13 pm

    For me, the magic of the desert is that in the absence of forest, you can see the land. Rocks are endlessly fascinating.


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