The Secrets of Roadside Photography
By Jonathan Eggleston for RealWV,
As a professional photographer, I have often marveled at the irony that surrounds my life. What started as a passion has transformed into a bustling career, one that has allowed me to capture the world through my lens. But with this journey, I’ve discovered that the busyness of my profession often leaves little room for my personal photographic pursuits.
It’s a peculiar twist of fate that doing what I love for a living can impact my personal photography plans. Balancing commercial assignments, client work, and editorial projects can be all-consuming. It can be hard to find time for what I call “Passion Projects,” those personal visions I always dream of capturing.
The result?
Rushed moments during what should be free time. In a matter of hours, I might be called to work my second or even third job, leaving me with little opportunity to enjoy a proper day off dedicated to my craft.
It was during these moments of freedom that I stumbled upon what I now affectionately call, “Roadside Photography.”
This unexpected discovery came from driving down random back roads and seeing what I could capture from my car or the side of the road. To my surprise, these impromptu moments often led to some pretty beautiful compositions.
West Virginia, with its rugged landscapes and hidden gems, has become my canvas. I realized that there are countless picturesque scenes waiting to be captured along the roads.
Each turn offers up a new perspective, and every stop is an opportunity to find unexpected beauty in the everyday.
However, many of these photos have never seen the light of day. They felt more like random snapshots (practice for that perfect image), unfamiliar to people’s eyes. It was then that I decided to start a new project, one that would showcase these hidden treasures and turn them into, “Roadside Memories.”
While exploring this world of “Roadside Photography,” I’ve learned some valuable lessons on how to avoid conflicts and respect the privacy of others. It’s crucial to be observant and considerate:
Respect Property Boundaries:
One of the cardinal rules of ethical photography is to never trespass onto anyone’s property without permission. Always be aware of property lines and boundaries. If you spot an intriguing scene that requires you to be on private land, it’s best to seek out the property owner and ask for their consent before taking any photos.
Ask for Permission:
When you encounter an interesting subject or location, and you suspect it might be on private property, don’t hesitate to knock on the owner’s door and introduce yourself. Explain who you are, your passion for photography and your interest in capturing the beauty of their land. More often than not, people appreciate your consideration and will grant you access.
Practice Discretion:
Even if you’re on public land or a roadside, be mindful of people’s privacy. If you’re photographing people, ask for their permission and respect their wishes if they decline. It’s essential to be discreet and avoid making anyone uncomfortable with your presence.
Leave No Trace: Whether you’re on a roadside or someone’s property, always clean up after yourself. Remove any trash or items you may have brought with you, leaving the area just as you found it.
By respecting property boundaries and practicing ethical photography, we can all enjoy this art form while maintaining the utmost respect for others and the environment.
So, while the hectic life of a professional photographer may leave little room for personal pursuits, it has given birth to this new chapter in my photographic journey. “Roadside Photography” has become a reminder that beauty can be found in the most unexpected places, and that sometimes, the best photographs are the ones we least expect!
All of these images were captured in Monroe, Greenbrier and Pocohontas Counties, (in a hurry) either driving to or from work, in between running errands, or during short breaks between jobs. I hope everyone finds them a beautiful as I do!
