 | | | Visitors to Lafayette Reservoir annually decorate this plum tree found on the eastern side of the nearly three-mile paved trail. Photo Steve Hobbs
| | | | | | "I'm awestruck and amazed at its beauty and at the wonderful variety of wildlife there," says photographer and Lafayette resident Steve Hobbs in describing his fascination with the Lafayette Reservoir. Even after hundreds of hikes on the rim trail and on the popular paved path closer to the water's edge, Hobbs finds something new with each journey. His love affair with the Reservoir began about three years ago when a friend mentioned that the rim trail was accessible on foot from Mountain View drive.
Enchanted by the quiet solitude of the back country trail that loops around the upper ridge of the reservoir property, Hobbs wandered and observed and began to take photographs of the scenery on the rim. Eventually he brought his camera to the lower trail, which offered a completely different experience - one which was less solitary, more lively and energized - an ideal locale for his style of photography. There he has observed and photographed dogs of all sizes and species, children in strollers, people of all ages and cultures, fishermen and boaters, hikers and joggers, picnickers and painters, and captured what's become an annual tradition: a plum tree donned with sparkly ornaments placed by walkers and joggers on the eastern side of the almost three-mile paved path, beyond the children's play area.
As for wildlife, Hobbs has now photographed over 60 species of birds. "Every bird has its own story and personality," says Hobbs, from the solitary and cranky Great Blue Heron to the extroverted, playful, and team-oriented American White Pelican, two of his personal favorites.
The challenge of combining aspects of landscape photography, bird and wildlife photography, and street photography (of people in action) draws him in and results in what he calls "lifescapes." With the best light in the early morning or late afternoon and evening hours, Hobbs gets out as often as he can. His familiarity with the habits of the birds allows him often to be poised to be in the right place at the right time to capture the magic. He notes that the skills honed in his photographic outings - careful observation, curiosity, and patience - translate well to his day job as a psychologist.
Clearly passionate about all of the aspects of the Lafayette Reservoir, Hobbs wants to share this amazing place with the community. He would like to take individuals or groups interested in nature photography on tours, and he has selected some of his favorite photographs of the birds and the landscapes of the reservoir to create two different 2013 calendars - one featuring birds, the other focusing on landscapes. The calendars are available at Diablo Foods, Orchard Nursery, Diablo Print, Elmwood Stationers, and the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce.
He is currently at work on a Lafayette Reservoir photography book. To see his reservoir images (and other work from further afield) visit his website: stevehobbsphotography.smugmug.com.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA