Have you ever been out in search of that perfect picture? Do you always find it? More times than not the answer is probably no, maybe you don’t even come close to finding what you had envisioned in your mind. I believe most photographers have had this happen if not a few times more than likely most of the time.
Visualizing what you are in search of is part of the process, an essential part of the result but when that doesn’t happen do you get discouraged and stop or begin allowing the environment to help with the process. Photographers are always in search of that perfect shot it’s what keeps us directly involved and moving forward as we should be. I would even garner to say we have been standing in front of that perfect shot and may not have recognized it. I have no doubt it has happened to myself more than once but that is no reason to give up and go home.
Appreciation of the moment can lead to many “perfect” moments, it has nothing to do with the place you are in or the scene that is in front of you but everything to do with appreciation towards what you have been given. We all should except there is no “perfect” shot but many “perfect” moments, the difference, we control the moment ourselves through attitude, acceptance and a willingness to appreciate all that this journey is about.
Next time your out in nature with our without a camera in hand stop and take that moment to realize what all has taken place before you to create what we see today. Appreciate the grasses blowing in the gentle breeze, the bird singing it’s song as ancestors before or filtered sunlight casting down on the lands these are the true perfect moments, lets not miss any of them.
© Brad Mangas
I know there are photographers that can capture the “decisive moment” and come away with the “perfect” photo. They’re in the right place, right time and ready to shoot when they have to. They also train themselves to anticipate a scene so that they will be ready to shoot. I also think perfection is very much a personal vision. Ultimately, the photographer has to be satisfied that the shot is as good as it can be.
I love this shot.
It does come down to being at the right place at the right time for sure Ken, I believe when we appreciate more we will find more of the decisive moments. Thanks for your comment.
Yes, I can relate. Your post also reminds of something from the past. A few years ago while reading back over my journal I noticed the word “want” was all over the pages. After studying the pages, I discovered I was talking about the past and the future and not “wanting” to live in the present moment as I was going through a difficult time. It was a wake-up call, a time for me to start living again. Earlier this evening my walk around the lake was made without a camera because of the very reasons you mention. I just needed to breathe and walk, taking in all that was around me.
And, I love the image, one of those vast open spaces and a solitary tree. My kind of stuff!
Thanks Monte I’m glad you could relate to what I was referring to. The simple act of allowing ourselves to just take in the moment can hopefully brings up back to a more positive mindset of where we are at any given time.