Thursday, January 31, 2013

Keep Your Camera Handy, Andy


Copyright 2013 Jon Wason

“I wish I would’ve had my camera with me,” is a common lament. I don’t know how many people have said that to me after describing some amazing sight such as a bald eagle, a rare Ferrari or a famous celebrity. It has happened to me, but not too often.
            During my daily commute my camera is within easy reach. One recent morning, I was driving to work on a foggy morning. Some of the route is rural and takes me past a reservoir. As I pulled up to a stop sign I looked to my left and caught a glimpse of a pleasant reflection of a tree in the mist.

Instead of saying, “I wish I had a camera,” I pulled over, put the car in Park and grabbed my camera. I shot a few frames out the lowered window and continued on my merry way to work. That evening I discovered that I had captured a nice image.


Another morning I was passing near the railroad tracks when I saw the Amtrak Acela coming my way. I stopped the car and grabbed my camera. Unfortunately, there was no memory card in the trusty EOS, but I had one in my pocket. As quick as a bunny rabbit, I popped it in, and clicked off two shots. It is a good thing that the fastest train in the USA is forced to slow down to a crawl as it passes through my town.



I used to drive a minivan and my camera fit under the seat. Now I have a Toyota RAV4 with a center console that is a perfect hiding place for my camera. This is also a protected location where food and drink cannot be spilled on it.


My advice is to keep your camera (with good batteries and a memory card inserted) close at hand while you also keep your eyes peeled for photographic opportunities. Go get some good shots.