Sunday, June 9, 2019

Timeless Beauty (1)

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

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