Go Out on a Limb, or a Bridge

/ Richard R. Barron
This is the overview from my spot looking east from the middle of the U. S. 377 bridge across the South Canadian River.
This is the overview from my spot looking east from the middle of the U. S. 377 bridge across the South Canadian River.

I was recently driving though southern Oklahoma to meet a friend for a day of hiking and photography.

Early in my trip I approached the U. S. 377 bridge over the South Canadian River. Before I got to the bridge, I saw the sun just begin to peak above the horizon, and fog rising from the water. I knew an image was imminent, and I expected the best vantage point would be from the center of the bridge, which is about 150 yards long including the guardrails.

As I drove across the bridge, I saw that I was right: an incredible photo opportunity was unfolding. I also knew I could neither park on the bridge, nor shoot it from my moving vehicle. I parked on the north end of the bridge, grabbed a camera, and literally ran to the center of the bridge, since I knew the moment was fleeting at best, and light at sunrise and sunset can change in just a few seconds.

It was cold out. The shoulder of the highway was narrow. Cars and trucks sped past me. It was a slightly hostile environment, but I knew I wanted the image, and this was the only way to get it.

As you can see, going out on a limb, or a bridge, can definitely pay off.

Also see: Beyond Lock Rock, a Day in the Wichitas.

And the payoff: with fog rising from the river and sandbars silhouetted by the meandering water, the sun rises on Oklahoma once again. Within 45 seconds, the light and color were gone.
And the payoff: with fog rising from the river and sandbars silhouetted by the meandering water, the sun rises on Oklahoma once again. Within 45 seconds, the light and color were gone.