One of the most interesting things about photography is that we have an opportunity to look at things, experience things, maybe even understand things differently or better.

For me, it happened early in my experimenting. Until then, I had no interest in doing macro photography. My career choice was taking me along the lines of a photo illustrator. Then, it happened.

For some reason I was using my telephoto lens and was zeroing in on a caterpillar. For the first time, I was captivated by the beauty. Each band of color was so definite. Each line seemed to send a message, in concert, purposeful. As I watched transfixed, it suddenly dawned on me that there was no accident to this tiny creature. A chill went up my spine. The message was clear. From that point, my photography took on new meaning. I knew that my journey was being guided.

Just be there. What’s to be photographed will be revealed. It’s  simple. Yes, we still had to figure out our equipment. Doing it in the field helps to show what else we need to know. Keep that camera close.

Funny thing about photography, if practicing the right ways, we manage to get some stuff that works. Looking at what others see helps. Reading what others say helps.

“You don’t make a photograph just with a camera. You bring to the act of photography all the pictures you have seen, the books you have read, the music you have heard, the people you have loved.” ― Ansel Adams