Moments

Since the dawn of photography, photographs have been glimpses of people, places, animals and events…moments in time captured in a way that seems to appeal to the human psyche. As I set forth with a camera in hand I usually have several goals in mind. Among them capturing beauty is certainly one. Eliciting emotion on the part of the person who views the image later is another. As I have lightly tread upon the forest paths, I have practiced with the new camera and have come to learn it came with blistering speed, That speed can capture insights that early photographers only dreamt of. Through trial and error and by happy accident I have come to realize that the camera (especially this new mirrorless technology) can capture moments in time that our eyes simply cannot. Or, more precisely, if our eyes see the moment then our brains cannot possibly register what is happening in that moment. Digital cameras have become such a pervasive part of our lives that we have almost come to expect these moments in photography. As it turns out, acquiring these images requires a combination of dedication, skill and blind luck. Let me take you along for some of the moments where I may have captured beauty or an image that evokes emotion. Maybe it will inspire you to pick up a camera and go forth.

As the series above shows, I saw the birds and knew that there was an interchange. But their altitude and speed made it difficult to understand what type of creatures they were much less what was happening there. They were moving so quickly and changing direction with such agility that readers will, no doubt notice I was unable to keep both in frame for the most dramatic shot.. The camera gives us insight into that life and those moments that we would likely never have otherwise. Those insights can reveal teenage raptors behaving much the same way rowdy teenage human boys do. Or they they can reveal adults having quiet moments of peace together.

Although the most numerous subjects and certainly some of my favorite are my avian friends, they are not the only ones I point the camera at. Beauty can be found everywhere if we pause to take the time to look. Capturing those moments transports the photographer and later the person(s) viewing the images (hopefully). It is therefore a noble and worthwhile venture in this age of ill will and discontent.

There are times that the camera has revealed surprisingly complex lives of creatures that I frankly never previously paid much attention to. Take the ubiquitous Eastern Bluebird for instance. Almost everyone has seen these beautiful little creatures. Point a camera at the bluebird and you’ll find out interesting things about it. Point a camera that has blinding speed a bluebird family , and you never know what the result will be.

These moments go on so often that now that I have taught myself to look, I see them nearly everywhere. Breathtaking Beauty on the largest scale with sunsets and horizons, large birds of prey or the tiniest of insects going about their business on a a strikingly stunning flower. We simply have to pay attention.

While I was hiking today I was overwhelmed with gratitude. As I moved in near total silence my footsteps were muffled by sand and wind rushing through palmetto bushes and pines. The palmettos rattled and the pines whispered as only they can. The sun was just warm enough to make me not regret being out in the brisk wind. Gratitude washed over me. Gratitude to be in such a beautiful place, to have been brought up to appreciate the beauty, to have made it through a career and and be here appreciating it when some of my friends did not and many…many other things. As I have other times, I urge you all to break away from the news, break away from your devices, find beauty and take time to appreciate it. If you can, capture some of those moments with a camera to savor and enjoy later and share with others.

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