North Platte River Sunrise

Hawk Buckman Limited Edition Collection
(Color Landscape Photograph)

From The Artist

On September 26, 2018, I made my way back to western Nebraska for the second time. My first visit had only been two weeks prior, and I was determined to discover the landscape and experience the sights and sounds of the Intermediate Plains. So I headed out to Mitchell, Nebraska. I turned south onto South Mitchell road. As you travel south, you reach the North Platte River bridge. The air was cold and damp. As the Sun rose on the morning horizon, heating the air, mist and fog began to develop over the swirling water. I parked the car and walked to the middle of the bridge, fingers freezing and dodging passing trucks and cars. I made four handheld images. Little did I know that the rising mist was obscuring a small farm that completely blocked out the spectacle of a barn and grain bin on the river’s North bank.

This image holds a unique memory for me. It was a time in my life when I questioned my future, my past, and in some ways, my very existence. This was the first time I’d seen the North Platte River look like this. I’ve tried to make other images similar to this one on many occasions. But, I believe this particular moment was meant for me to share with others, perhaps as a reminder that the morning always brings a new adventure.