Hawksbill Crag, 2024 - Three hikers enjoy fresh made coffee as the sun begins to crest

I was given an editorial assignment by At Home in Arkansas magazine to go shoot popular/ beautiful spots around the Ozarks for their “Discover the Ozarks” issue that will be coming out next November. I’ve always wanted to go check out the area, because, as I was told by one of the hikers above, you’re not really an Arkansan until you do. So I got a plan together with my fellow photographer friend, Tim, to grab a hotel room in Harrison and make it to the point by sunrise as my first official shot in the Ozarks.

Well plans fell through and Tim, to no fault of his own, had to back out the day before. But with some quick thinking, I was able to convince (he didn’t need much) my buddy Jacob (or we call him Murrell) to come enjoy the free room, views, and breakfast. Being the pretty spontaneous guy that he is, he happily drove in from Fayetteville after his last personal training client.

We woke up around 4:15 a.m., left the hotel around 4:30 as we munched on some Jimmy Dean sandwiches (the English muffin had the same texture as the Amazon box at my front door), arrived at the trailhead around 5:30, and started our mile or so hike in to catch first light, which was around 6:20 or so. While the trail was pretty simple and not too difficult, hiking in anywhere you’ve never been in the pitch black of the morning with nothing but a headlamp and… well, no map, can be a pretty daunting task. BUT, after nearly busting our asses a few times… we made it. Just as the dim color started to peak over the hills.

A couple and their furry companion enjoy the peace of the morning (if this is you in the photo, I’d love to send it to you)

We were shortly joined by three women, the same who insinuated we weren’t real Arkansans (which is totally fair). We began to chat with them, as well as another couple who joined us with their energetic dog (above). I quickly began to shift my attention. While I was fully aware that I was there to shoot the beautiful spot, I became more interested in the people there. Their stories became more important to me than the clouds painted across the sky. The immediate camaraderie of strangers looking to enjoy a peaceful morning feeling the breeze through the valley suddenly felt more compelling than the rock we were sharing.

I really don’t remember ever getting any names, didn't need them. Probably will never see any of these people for the rest of my life. There’s something so cool about that. Sharing a simple moment with people who will have that same memory as you. No numbers exchanged. No IG handles shared. Just a moment, and some simple conversation. I think that’s why I love photography. Not just because it’s fun or it looks good, but because it captures these moments in time, forever. It all stems from that nostalgic side of me (thanks mom) that never truly wants to let go of that feeling you get from a certain person, place, or thing.

What I find funny about this is that it all happend before 9 a.m… and I recall not getting home till around 5 p.m. There was still many miles, an artist, a great sandwich, and a wedding, but I’ll save that for later.

Discovering the Ozarks

© 2024 William Hilliard