I don’t believe I could ever become a good photographer because I have been
asking myself this question since day one of my journey in photography:
“What role do I want photography to play in my life?”
Thinking
back on the countless early mornings and late nights I've spent on
waiting
for the moment to take that ONE shot, I have to say that there are many,
many bittersweet memories. However, there are certainly unforgettable
occasions when I regret that I only get to see the most beautiful parts
of the world through the smallest viewfinders behind my cameras.
My
recent trip to Portugal is no exception. We had the privilege to follow
two of the world-famous photographers to capture the unbelievable beauty of
Portugal. Sunset glories took our breath away, and yet, many nights,
after getting back to the hotel, I wish I'd taken the time to sit on the
beach watching the sun melting into the ocean... I wish I wasn’t so
focused on taking the SHOT, but more on taking IN the memorable moments - with my
heart and soul!
I took
these two photos on 5/23/19 near Ursa Beach in Portugal. The beach was
not very accessible. It was a nearly one hour strenuous hike going down
and then
over an hour hike back up in the dark. The first photo was taken on
our way down. I literally didn’t think about looking around and enjoy
the surroundings until we were almost half way through. The beach was
huge, and there
was hardly anyone there except for us. But it didn’t even occur to me
that I should walk around the beach during the golden sunset, to watch
the pink clouds flying by, to smell the ocean in the winds, to listen to
the waves coming up and receding...
Instead, I spent more than two hours finding the rocks for the
composition, setting up my camera, figuring out the right settings, etc.
etc... and... finally, taking this ONE shot (picture 2).
Yeah,
I did post this photo on my Facebook. But what would I have done for
those 5 golden hours of my life, at this uniquely beautiful beach, if I
wasn’t so occupied or so busy trying to take this ONE shot???
Ursa Beach, Portugal
May 23, 2019
