The Missed Shot!
I scolded myself for not
having my camera with me.
The scene was perfect: strolling along a mountain
path I came upon an open field. Looking
east, tall blades of wild grass glistened with gold, and in the distance,
framed in a square, treetops reflected the yellow-orange glow of the parting
sun.
Nice,
but my camera bag was home. Bummer.
As
an added slap to my face, as I came to the end of the trail, close to where my
car was parked – a family of deer emerged from the tree line and grazed –
beautifully lit by the golden glow and unmoved by my presence. Just then, I saw another hiker emerge
from the forest; I placed my hands up in the universal sign to “stop!” She did, and I used both hands to
direct her gaze to the tree line.
We both stood in silence and enjoyed the moment. After the deer walked backed into the
woods she yelled over, “thank you!”
Though
this short four-mile hike near Kennesaw Mountain proved to be a wonderful
experience, I scolded myself for not having my camera with me.
As
a photographic landscape artist I have trained myself to “see” – to capture
frames created by nature. However,
up until this hike, every time I strolled along a path or along a shoreline
without my camera, I just walked – looking straight ahead and daydreaming about
“stuff”, in many cases unrelated to photography. But recently I began composing drafts on the art of
seeing – visualization. As a
consequence, I visualize more, and this being the case, I should have had my
camera. Obviously, this will not
happen again – and my new TENBA backpack will help by transporting equipment
wherever I travel – a local walk or a fifteen-mile hike into the mountains.
Lesson: The first step in becoming
a better photographer involves carrying a camera with you at all times. Now, let me be clear, I am not talking phone
and iPad cameras, but better point-and-shoot or digital single lens reflex,
(DSLR), cameras; equipment that will capture the moment in all its color,
structural and emotional detail that you originally experienced. Even
a trip to the grocery store: place the camera in the passenger seat –
incredible scenes show themselves everywhere – when you least expect it. Be ready.
As
always, your feedback is greatly appreciated – sharing stories is fun.
Best
regards,
Lance
