Cedar Creek

Behind the Frame

“I visited various local creeks, rivers, waterfalls, and lakes, taking numerous photos, but none initially fit my what I was looking for. I wanted to capture something that felt both calming yet vague enough without making people immediately think “Hey, I’ve been there” or “I’ve seen that place in other photos”. I wanted the image to feel peaceful and immersive without being too literal, something that invites the viewer into a calm outdoor moment and leaves room for their own interpretation. This creek scene felt like the right balance for Cedar Creek.
The early morning light, the cascading creek, the stacked stones, and the shades of green all reminded me of the fragrance notes. The shaded trees and flowing water made me think of cypress, ozone, and marine notes, while the wooded backdrop, creek stones, and mossy edges evoked the earthy depth of cedar and musk.
I actually hadn't planned to take this specific photo initially. While packing up my gear by a river, I noticed a branching path upstream. I crossed the river and discovered a quieter section of the creek filled with dragonflies and the small water feature shown in the submission. Interestingly, when I returned to the location a few days later, the water levels were really low and the cairn was gone, almost as if it had fulfilled its purpose and vanished back into the landscape, reminding me that some moments are not meant to be possessed, only discovered.”

- Jon Dominguez Aguirre