You also might find it easier in the future if you don't start off as being a friend and establish yourself as a potential suitor faster. Theres nothing wrong with establishing a relationship after knowing a girl after a while. They often work out better. But it might be what's making you feel awkward. And it often makes more work to transition in her mind from friend to someone to date.
Actually, if you're able to move out of the "friendship zone" into a sexual relationship with the person you're doing something right. getting out of the "friendship zone" can be frustrating. I agree with lode, you should state your intent earlier in the interaction and when I say early, I mean around 25-40 minutes of meeting the girl.
yeah, the shitty thing about this was her best friend told me how much she liked me, then i just waited too long and then someone else went for it. But im fine with it now id rather be just friends than have some weird awkwardness that makes us not want to be friends.
I hear ya, I love taking pictures of nature's beauty and of the creatures I encounter. Peace to you m'lady.