Tuesday, February 8, 2011

And I have made...

Remember my post about The Morgan House and how I was inspired to go make something? Well, I did. It took me two different days because I finished the apron and then had to add a pocket and let that wait for a second day (a good week later at least) but I MADE something, and plan to make many more somethings. I'm working on a crocheted afghan but it's quite big and I'm only about 1/2 done. School "gets in the way" of my creativity.

Today I sat looking out our sliding glass window and saw the (FATTEST) robin I think I've ever seen. It was beautiful. A light coating of snow on everything and this plump little bird came swooping through, landing on a branch much to skinny for its robust body.

This is one of those moments that many a photographer struggles with. Do I risk the chance to enjoy this beautiful thing at all by going to get my camera? Will I miss the moment for myself? Will I be able to get close enough to capture it on (digital) film or will it be spooked away? 
This is something that we are all faced with: is it worth the risk of missing out on the beauty/joy ourselves for the sake of having it captured for good?

I happened to have a camera in my reach...but it still wasn't possible to get the shot I really wanted.

First of all, it wasn't my DSLR, it was my point-and-shoot, and while it generally does a decent job, it wouldn't be nearly the callibur that my Nikon would give me.
Then, there's this robin's personality to consider. We can consider a Darwin-ish thought for a second...this is a pretty fat robin, in the middle of winter, so likely he's pretty smart. He has survived well, in the competition for scarce food among the others. Can I possibly sneak up on him and get a good shot? Or is he just too smart?

Nope. He's just too smart. I added a circle and a red line to point him out for you, but it's still too far away!

I did a fair amount of enjoying the beauty for myself before trying to snap him up, but it did make me think of how often I'm faced with this dilemma. Do I miss out on the cute toddler smiles and dress up for the chance to capture a picture? The dog with prey in his mouth? The messy faced kid before he wipes it on his sleeve (or mine)? Today, I couldn't get the shot, but I didn't miss out on the moment to enjoy the robin and his visit, even if it was a short one.