One of the things that I love about being home – besides being with my Sweet Husband and my puppies and not having to get up in the wee hours and sleeping in my own bed…minor things really – is that I get go do fun things like attend group shoots with the Mississippi Gulf Coast Photography Club. The last one I attended was at the Biloxi Lighthouse Park, and a week ago, a shoot was organized at the POW Lake in Saucier, Mississippi.
First of all – POW? Huh? Perhaps because we didn’t ever really get past World War II in my history classes and when we did talk about WWII, we discussed only the atrocities that spurred us to action and ultimately victory, ย I never knew that there were Prisoner of War camps in the United States. Of course, I knew about the Japanese internment camps, but I didn’t realize that German and Italian prisoners were held here in the United States. Since moving to Mississippi, I have certainly been enlightened. In fact, this spring I brought you photos of the remains of a camp outside of Jackson. Aliceville in Alabama is on my list of places to make it to, and it has been ever since I first heard about it.
Am I the only one who didn’t know these things?
As always, you know that I am fascinated by flowers, and even though the pickings were slim, what was there are beautiful enough.
(as an aside, I’m getting these photos with my kit lens. I cannot wait to get my hands on a prime lens. Can you even? I know that David duChemin and others talk about it not being about the equipment but rather the photographer, but damn. Just damn)
But flowers weren’t the only thing at the Lake. The light was stunning…and the reflection of the clouds on the water? Enough to make you want to fall on your knees in amazement at how gorgeous our world is. I took these photos before I made my way to Missouri to visit with my GrandSner, who has been in and out of the hospital the last few weeks and whom I remain worried about. On top of that, it’s been a really stressful few weeks – lots of upheaval and discord.
I didn’t get to edit these photosย until I got back home, and they were a beautiful gift. Everything I struggle with, as awful as it is in the moment, as difficult as it is, it passes. The things that remain? Are the things that always remain. Even decades after man subdues Mother Nature – she has the last word.
All that remains of the former POW camp are what some would say are former bomb shelters and what others say are simply ammunition bunkers.
I have more photos that I’ll share later this weekend – some that I really had fun capturing. Make sure you come back to see them.
Where I’m linking up.
Photo Friday
Welcome to another edition of the Photo Friday link-up! I cannot wait to see what all you have for us this week. I finally made my way through all of the links from last week, and i have to say again that y’all are quite the talented bunch! Thank you so much for sharing with me. I mean it when I say that I believe my photography is getting better because I see your fantastic work.
Last week’s most viewed link came from Kelly at Swimming in Sunshine. She always takes such incredible photos and her subject matter fascinates me. I seriously need to plan a trip to check out some of the places she visits because they are amazing. Completely and totally amazing.
Kelly Del Valle – Swimming in Sunshine – Caution, Here There Be Devils // Snorkling Devil’s Den
Our last added link came from Debbie Champagne.
I’m so excited to see what y’all have to share with us this week, and I appreciate that y’all have shared and supported our link-up. Let’s get to it, shall we?
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I really like that first shot of the lakes and clouds. And yup-you did indeed have enough flowers. Sorry for the chaos and upheaval.
Thank you! It’s all a part of the cycle – I find it comforting and reassuring how life works. The sun will come up again, there will be more flowers to photograph and more beauty to seek out and find.
Oh, that lake! Such beautiful reflections.
Dina recently posted…Thankful Throwback: 1
I know! And unlike most of our water here, it was mostly clear! I have more shots of it. So excited to share the rest of them this weekend!
The lake photos are so beautiful. Lovely place.
Holly recently posted…10 Best Day Trips From Brisbane
Thank you Holly! There are times when I think it’s almost impossible to take a bad picture here. The Coast makes it so easy to take beautiful photos.
Hello Jen,
I didn’t know about the German or Italian camps either. Yesterday, I was reading a piece about Manzanar (one of the Japanese concentration camps here in California). This certainly looks like an interesting place. But, leaving the sad stories aside, I think this is very beautiful place. You photos of the lake are beautiful.
Ruth recently posted…Highlights of the 2015 Latin Food Festival
I knew about the Japanese camps – when I taught middle school, one of the novels that I taught was Farewell to Manzanar & we’ve been to the National WWII museum in New Orleans, which has a big exhibit about the internment camps. I just don’t ever remember learning about the other camps. I suppose history really is told by the victors. You are right though – a lovely spot now.
These are glorious shots Jen and I like how I am learning more each time you post. Your words are very engaging and I thank you! In Australia there is a memorial garden to Japanese Prisoners of War and others from countries which were considered enemies of Australia in the second WWar. I have visited Cowra in NSW twice where the Japanese government has built a beautiful garden with ground which are so peaceful. Nearby is the area where the POWs were interred in camps in very flimsy shelters with extremes of cold in Winter and heat in Summer. It is a place where I just sat in silence.
Denyse recently posted…You Know When It’s The Right Time. 233/365.
Those camps sound like the Japanese internment camps – very much miserable places to be. Interesting to me to see the perspective of history.
That’s crazy! I too had no idea we had POW camps in the US!!
I love your shots of the flowers. Some times I wonder if we really need the super high tech camera to get good shots. I’ve gotten great shots with my lower end camera as well as with my GoPro. And then there is Lightroom which can fix almost anything in post.
I hope this coming week is a better, less stressful one for you Jen. ๐
I was listening to a podcast with David duChemin & he really talked about story – or what emotion do you want the photos to evoke? How do you want people to respond? What makes your photo different from the same photo 100 other people have taken? And that really had an impact on me. I want people to walk away from my images with a feeling of peace & tranquility…& having learned a little bit as well. Which is not to say that I don’t cover gear – I totally do! But I think I can tell me stories with what I have ๐
Gorgeous photos. I can almost hear the tranquility of the location. Happy weekend!
lana recently posted…Doodling with Gemma Correll
Thank you! That really is the feel that I’m going for! Good to know I achieved it ๐
Really great images. Even with a kit lens (and yes it has a lot to do with the photographer). I just got a new Canon L Lens (24-105mm f.4 L), and I have been using a 50mm 1.4 for a long time.
Mersad
Mersad Donko Photography
Mersad recently posted…Summer Sunset on the Beaches of Drvenik, Croatia
I am really wanting a 50 mm 1.4. I’m hoping that one makes its way into my possession soon ๐ I’m pleased with the progress I’ve made but I know the glass can make an impact.
I didn’t know that there were prisoner of war camps in the outside of Europe (and some of Asia).
Sally@Toddlers on Tour recently posted…Road Safety Tips โ The Essentials
It’s like a huge part of our history has been kept from us. I kinda want to take my students on a field trip but I’m not sure how that would work. We will definitely do some learning about them though. I wonder if there are any old folks around who remember that we could do some interviews with…
I love the shallow depth of field on those flower photos Jen.
stephanie@stephsjoy recently posted…State Library NSW
It really is my favorite. I need to work on expanding though…I tend to stick with the same kinds of shots lol!
I got interrupted, but I’m back to check everything out properly. I feel you on kit lenses, and as much as primes make for pretty shots and I can use hubby’s anytime I like I mostly stick to my 2 favourite zoom lenses, not all zooms are nasty kit lenses. I love my little do everything kit that fits into one small camera bag.
Stella Lee@ Purfylle recently posted…My Photo Capture – Shot 36
I’ve been very pleased with my kit zoom (18 – 55 mm). It does the job but I’m interested to see how things change. Now my 55 – 300? I kinda hate it & don’t very often even put it on my camera.
Hi! Pow Lake photos are very beautiful. I enjoyed your flower photos too. Thanks for sharing.
Minoru recently posted…TOKYO WALKING , KUNITACHI IN THE SUBURBS.
Thank you so much! I really enjoyed getting out there!
That shot of the lake with the sunlight reflecting off the surface is just gorgeous Jen! These are a lovely set of photos. – Tasha
Natasha recently posted…Photo Friday: Looking Rosy
I have more! I just didn’t want to post up like 100 photos lol!
Those are definitely ammunition bunkers; too small to be anything else.
Hey, while it’s true that it’s about the photographer, it’s also true that some types of photography require special equipment. Macro and super macro definitely fall into that category. A whole slew of regular lenses are simply not designed to focus on tiny details or to get as close as you need to with the camera. I once had a camera that could focus at the lens…you could put it on top of something, face down, and it would focus (with light). You’re just looking for the right tool to do the type of specialized photography you want to do.
Fenn recently posted…Recent Work : iPhone-ography : River Styx Bugs
I think that those specialized situations are definitely exceptions (& a good macro lens is on my list of acquisitions because you are right – I have huge trouble focusing on the tiny details). I really appreciate the larger point, though. I know that one of the members of our photography group is forever showing up with new “toys” and I don’t necessarily notice her photos being any better.
Ah, I love ALL of these photos. So pretty!!!
Stephanie recently posted…Capture Real Life // Week 4
Thank you Stephanie! It was a great place to shoot. I’m hoping that for the next full moon someone suggests we head back out there ๐
I love the reflections on the water. Beautiful shots and scenery.
Adam Jones recently posted…Pennignton Flash – The Usual Fair
Thank you Adam. It was a great place to shoot!
I knew about POW and internment camps in Canada and the US since my Japanese relatives were interned in Canada, but I’ve never seen one. I didn’t know that there were any in Mississippi.
My favourite shots are definitely of the lake. I LOVE it when you can see nature’s reflection in the water!
My Photo Friday theme this week is nature since it features one of my favourite Japanese gardens. It’s full of waterlilies…I’m sure you’ll love it! ๐ http://www.trekkingwithbecky.com/one-of-my-favourite-japanese-gardens/
I just had no idea that we brought Germans & Italians all the way over here. It would have seemed to make more sense to have them be closer to home, perhaps in Allied countries. It’s fascinating history though!
No, don’t think I knew about the camps either. Living in the Pacific Northwest, our focus was on the Japanese camps. If you’ve not read Jamie Ford’s, “Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet” – it is a good read about what happened to them in Seattle. The Panama Hotel he writes about is very real and in the international district; it houses a beautiful tea and coffee shop for those wanting to see it and who are not guests at the hotel.
Jackie Smith recently posted…A Stay in Myanmarโs Grand Old Strand Hotel
I haven’t read that one but I have read others. I’m going to have to put that on my list of things to read. It’s been over a decade since I was last in Seattle but in a couple of years my husband & I are planning a grand west coast tour. Will have to add the Panama Hotel to my list of places.
WOW! All these photos are amazing. Everyone is uber talented and I’m so glad you shared this!
Yanique recently posted…Does Every Kid Deserve A Trophy For Trying?
Thank you! My photography skills have grown by leaps & bounds since starting this link-up & I firmly believe it is because there are so many very talented people who participate.
Hi Jen, don’t know why but I am so drawn to photos of graffiti – I love your tunnel and graffiti shots. Thanks for doing the link up – I think yours is going to be the only one I manage this week. Have a great weekend!
With a smile from Carlyn in Tampa – ๐
Carlyn Bullock recently posted…Colorful Photos from Exclusive Manasota Key Florida
I’m honored that you’ve chosen to join us this week ๐
I was driving down the Coast earlier this afternoon and noticed that in many of the places that were wiped out by Katrina, there is some fantastic graffiti. I was trying to figure out what shots I was going to take to commemorate the storm, and I think the graffiti may feature in it.
Thank you so much for joining us this week!
The reflections on that lake are beautiful.
Lydia C. Lee recently posted…Social September – disconnect to reconnect
They were breathtaking. I think everyone on the shoot was preoccupied with one thing or another and then once one of us realized how perfect those reflections were the entire group shifted lol!
Thank you for joining us this week!
Gorgeous photos!
Thank you!
It’s only logical that there would be POW camps in the US, but I think we’d rather not think about that part of war. You found some interesting views and I have to say that the reflection is just awesome but the flowers are dainty and simple and beautiful.
bettyl – NZ recently posted…wild birds
I guess to me it didn’t seem logical that we would bring the POWs here to the US from Europe…particularly given the atmosphere of isolationism that was running through the country before we entered the war. It certainly is interesting, though, to find out these pieces of our history.
Beautiful photos!
Thank you Betty!
What stunning pictures, Jen. The ones of the lake are just breathtakingly good!
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid recently posted…The Ultimate Rabbit Hole #32
I feel like I’m definitely getting there, Sammie! I didn’t get out to take any pictures this weekend, so I’m hoping to get out tomorrow night and perhaps get some shrimp boat photos ๐
Such amazing reflections !!!
Fantastic shot !!
Happy weekend ๐
Ela recently posted…Pazik brzozowiec i rusaลki
The reflections were the best part of the whole shoot. All of us were amazed by them. I think it was definitely one of those things where we were all in the right place at the right time. ๐
In my opinion it`s good to know the history…. Make my own meaning. And to life today. Therefor I love your captures of nature around the camp!
Wish you a very fine weekend !
Cheers, Heidrun
PS: Indeed, I know the well sleeping in the own bed ๐
// Heidrun recently posted…von unterwegs…
You are right – it is critically important to know our history. The recent debate in the US about the Confederate flag shows how many people here really don’t know history. It’s very unfortunate. I hope that your weekend has been – it’s been good here!
beautiful photos!
I really enjoyed being out there taking them – even though I was a sweating and exhausted mess with my mascara and eyeliner running down my face lol!
Whoa – the light and reflection you caught on the lake are spectacular. A prime lens could not have gotten a better shot of it. As for the flowers and you not using a prime lens – maybe. But it would be in the eye of the beholder. I think your shots are great.
Claudia recently posted…Ice cream art
Thank you Claudia! I suppose I’m just lusting for some new gear ๐
Beautiful photos! I linked up my Photo Friday, I try to do one every week. They aren’t the best photos, more like blurry iPhone pics, but they capture moments that I really enjoyed from the week. Have a great weekend!
Angela Gilmore recently posted…Photo Friday – Food…Is There Anything it Can’t Do?
Thank you for joining us Angela! I find that I’m getting much better at photography just because I’m participating in this link-up. See other people’s photos has made me a little more careful with my photos – looking for light and interesting shots. I’m still doing a ton of crappy photos, though, LOL!
Oh my gosh, these are all sooo gorgeous! Those colors! I saw the ones you posted on FB and knew I was going to looooove this post. ๐
Kelly Del Valle recently posted…Itโs A Bug Thing || Rainy Day at the Insect Museum
Thanks Kelly! It’s truly a beautiful place…& who knows how many others like it are out there. I was talking to my behavior tech last week & he was telling me about a few other “lakes” in the area. I had no clue!
Hi Jen, what beautiful photos! I really enjoy your photography posts ๐
Not sure if I’m too late to join (I’m not very au fait with linking up etc) but just in case I’m notโฆ ๐
Annie recently posted…I went to Wales for a week. Here are some photos. (Feat. Dolly the Pig)
Thank you Annie! The link up closes on Monday nights with the new one opening on Thursday evenings. Once you join us, when the new open is ready to go, I send out an email letting folks know it’s time to link up!