Jim, you raise some interesting thoughts about what and why "we" make photographs. As to why I "went through the labor"; I found the scene inviting, almost beckoning to some other place or point in time. In my mind the scene holds some promise of things to come. Who knows what lies at the top of the steps... Although I am very taken with Weston's photography of the area, I don't conscientiously try to emulate that type of scene. It was as simply as the "scene appealed to me." I still, and probably always will, struggle with finding that special magic in this craft/art. The other thing that I love si the process of making negatives and prints. So it wasn't any "labor" for me to do this. I hope that answers your question as to "why for me." Thank you for your comments. No matter how much or how little, it always helps.
Al Parker
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Keep your eye on the prize, but watch where and how you step.
I like your point of view in this image. You have a lot of interesting details - I especialy like the tree at the top - which make the the cable and posts that line the trail barely noticable. I think that there are a lot of interesting images to be had here. Nice work.