As I stood just a few steps to the right and peered through my viewfinder I saw a similar scene that this photographer was shooting.  Yet, by taking a few more steps back and shifting my scope slightly a new and wonderful scene was then exposed that told a greater story.  The subjects in this photo are not just the monument and fountain but also the person, and it is the person that catches my eye as he carefully plans his image and shoots.

 When starting the new format for this site I made a decision to only use my personal photos this year.  I knew it would bring a challenge to my semi-busy existence, but I also knew that it would force me to once again pick up my camera, pull out the knowledge gained from photo school twenty plus years ago, and learn the technical side of shooting digital (something I’ve put off far too long).  Thank goodness I have a database of old photos to keep me going until I come up to speed with the new skills I am seeking.

 I feel it is important to push ones self in order to grow in a new direction.  The easier choice would have been to have stayed in the same place and just use what I could find (some of my shots and many of other people’s work).  But, by years end my skills would have remained the same as at the beginning.  Not only am I expanding my abilities but also I am, in a sense, opening my eyes.

 If we want to achieve beautiful results we must do the work necessary to get them.  This photographer, most likely, prepared for years to get the shots he so patiently sets up.  Yes, he has nice equipment to aid him in his quest, but it also takes knowledge, and years of experience to really master the art.  This photo was, to a degree, a lucky result.  But as I shift my sites, look around, and put the effort in to learn I will rely less on luck and much more on ability.  By doing this I will know how to get what I am after instead of just hoping for those fortunate happenings.  In life people who rely on luck will get the beautiful results some of the time, but overall do not have the long-term effects of hard work and planning.  You can really gain a clearer view and perspective if ultimately you are willing to step back, learn, and make it work.

Being Chased By The Storm – I Saw My “Patch of Blue”

I left my meeting early with hopes of beating the storm.  At this same time of day, just twenty-four-hours ago, the sunset sky danced with brilliant baby blues and pink rimmed clouds that looked as if they were made of cotton candy.  I knew that if the heavens decided to repeat the same dance I didn’t want to miss the photo opportunity as I had yesterday.

So, while driving towards the ocean I watched a more ominous sky close in around me and soon realized that this day would bow down to its close with something less spectacular than the beauty I failed to capture the previous day.  The blackened clouds came from the mountains and seemed to envelop the sky.  There was no time to make it to the coast so I drove into a gated community by a lake and figured I’d just settle for that.

How interesting that the thought of just settling for something less came to mind.  I took photos of the clouds and the mountains but it wasn’t until night had fallen and I turned to leave that I saw my “patch of blue.”   With a few clicks of the shutter the moment was captured in time.  There it was, an opening to heaven.

With all the darkness of the world closing in I could still see the heavens.  How often do we only see the black of the storm and forget that blue skies lie just beyond those clouds?  Do we tend to focus on our sorrows or do we see beyond the darkness of those trials?  One thing is for certain . . . storms do end and clouds do part.  Sometimes we just have to remember that there is a “patch of blue” through the storm.  And to say it is a glimpse into the heavens and a hope for a brighter day isn’t a far-reaching thought.  It really is there.  Maybe all we need to do is turn around and look up.

In Others’ Words:

I’ve seen it when light fleecy clouds went scurrying ‘cross its face,

And made that tiny bit of sky look like a bit of lace.

I’ve also seen the storm clouds burst and winds go rushing through,

But I always knew that once again I’d see my “patch of blue.” . . . . .

When sunset drops its curtain down she turns to golden hue,

That little bit of lovely sky that was my “patch of blue.”

~ From: My “Patch of Blue” by Mary Newland Carson~