50 Paces Back.
Anywhere I go, I am always looking for opportunities for an interesting photo. Different angles, some kind of movement, or try to find a way to take something ordinary and make it interesting. My family has been very fortunate in that we have been able to get out and travel a little here a there. However, wherever we are, or whatever we’re doing, I am usually trailing behind, taking candid photos of my family enjoying and exploring while we’re out and about. Sure, having a photo of my family smiling and looking my way make for fun memories to look back on, but I like catching the unexpected. Like when I catch my little one looking up at his sister who is laughing, while dad looks down at them both, everyone smiling and looking genuinely happy. Some moments just can’t be recreated.
The same goes for real life photography. Sometimes you just have to pull over last minute to catch the sunset that’s lighting up the cotton candy sky. Or visit that waterfall that you pass by but never manage to take the time to stop for. But then when you finally do stop, all of the sudden you’re back in photo mode, looking for the best way to get that intriguing shot that I’m looking for and have thought about every time I’ve driven by without stopping.
Sometimes you can get lucky and all of the elements align and it doesn’t take long to find your shot, but other times you have to work for it a little more, which makes the end result much more meaningful. This is another reason why photography is so important to me. Because it reminds me of something special, whether it be from a family vacation, or something I’ve found out in front of my childhood home. Photos are linked with memories and experiences and if I can tie in making something new from something old and changing your perspective, even just a little, then I’ve accomplished something that is meaningful to me.
So when I hang back to oogle over something small in a corner somewhere, or while my kids are looking out of the window of an airplane, whatever photos I get, are going to be linked with a memory.
After all, a picture is worth a thousand words, right?
