This is a a grab shot with a lesson. We were doing our pre-tour scouting when we spotted this scene. Rather than get out a tripod and shoot it properly, I fired off a couple of handheld shots and we moved on. At the moment my head was filled with things like, we need to move on and get the scouting done, eh, its not that great anyway, how do I expose for this type of scene anyway? Seriously my F.U.D. (fears uncertainties and doubts) were creeping in. Then when I got back to the room and took a look, I immediately realized I had made a mistake. I should have stopped pulled out the tripod and taken a few minutes to think through my composition and exposure.
The lesson? STOP and get it while you can.
Thanks John,
This is a very good lesson!!!
Nice grab! Shoot it when you see it!!!
John,
A better thought is “stop life needs to slow down” than your F.U.D. will not be as heavy!
Just my 1 cent.
Better thought Gary. Thanks.
Very nice, John. It’s a lesson we all need to learn. It’s easy to keep going and think “I’ll come back” or “I’ll get it tomorrow”, but it is never the same.
I am curious, however, why do you think you made a mistake ? Simply because you didn’t use your tripod ? Do you think the image is not as good as it should be ? You use great gear, you have great technique, and you produce great images ! I’m certain no one can tell that this is handheld. It would make a fine print.
Thanks for sharing
Mark
Great question Mark. No the image is not a mistake, not stopping and taking more time to look for more images or to fine tune this one which in all honesty is a crop of what I shot is the mistake. I should have listened to my inner voice which was also saying… STOP.
What a lesson we all need to learn, and relearn and relearn. Many years ago I was speeding to an appointment and drove by a guy who’s VW Beetle broke down by the side of the road. Where he was parked was a big sign that read “Coming Soon Volkswagen Repair Center” I should have stopped but didn’t. I’ve regretted it ever since. With the landscape we got to get the light while we can because it might not happen again, ever. I don’t remember what I was rushing to but I remember the shot I missed. So what was really important. Thanks for posting this and reminding us to stop and actually do the thing we really love…Take a photograph.
Great example Rich. Thanks for sharing.
interesting variation betweeen Mark & Rich’s comments above; both valid. Just as the best camera in the world is the one you have with you, a grab shot is better than no shot at all. Though depending on one’s vision of the image, sometimes having a capture that’s not “good” enough may be more frustrating than no image at all. Good post.
Hummm, fodder for another blog post. Thanks Marty!
Outstanding capture, John. Do we ever get over FUD?
Probably not Dan! 🙂
I would have been proud of this shot, period. However it is a great lesson and what Marty said was something I did not consider…knowing what could/should have been must be frustrating.
Interesting discussion, as usual.
Diana
Thanks for chiming in Diana. Yes, Marty always has interesting comments.
Hi John,
That is an incredibly moving pic. You did stop and get it. Sometimes “a couple of quick shots”
will capture the moment. Getting out the tripod is also right (if you can).
Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Chase!
A breathtaking image indeed! A scene like that while driving would make me want to STOP as well!
Imagine if you simply would have driven on… The FUD’ers of life and photography!
How many times do we have all the right equipment, gear and the clear mindset to apply 100% of our thoughts, talent, emotion, visions, artistry and complete dedication to “really” capture the image we “really” want? How many times does a moment scream out, “This it it! This is the moment you have been waiting for!” Or a time clock that reminds you, “this moment will expire in 30 seconds!”
What were you thinking when you initially STOPPED? Part of your thoughts seemed to have been focused on your day, time, schedule and tasks that you wanted to complete… rather than what you focused on with your vision and reason for STOPPING. Time management and deadlines! Time and FUD’ers!
How many images do we take that are subconscious and come back to life when we are on post-process mode? Or, see images that others took that were along with you, stood next (or near) to you and captured something different?
All in all, we must learn to multi-task, apply the right amount of time, stay on task and leave enough time for moments such as the one you captured here!
We cannot do it all and capture everything we see. Looking back, studying images, what you did, what you used, who you were with and everything else … are the elements and ingredients that allow us to learn, grow, see and act accordingly the “next time” we encounter the moments and scenes that take our breath away and urge us to STOP, savor the moment and capture what we visualize the image to be within your frame… at that given moment!
Just think of the other shots and visions that were left behind… Here’s to the moments ahead that make you STOP and to have the mindset to capture what you were seeing or made you STOP!
Great post and image JB!
Hi John
Yet another good reminder.
Yet you did manage to capture something striking. I like the edit too; very engaging.