Morning Gulls on Lake Monroe

Do you ever just go wandering around, exploring new areas?  Not to make photos, but hoping in the back of your mind that a good photo might show up in front of your lens?  Sometimes I do.  And sometimes it happens.

One day back in July of 2007, I drove over to Sanford, Florida and  stopped by the boat ramp.  As I watched the sun rise,  I kept my eye on some seagulls flying around over the water.  When the sun went into those clouds and the very pretty rays showed up – I framed my shot and started walking over toward the gulls, shooting in continuous mode.  I was hoping for something exactly like this, and when I got home I was happy with how it turned out.

So, I’m just wondering.  Would you ever drive to a boat ramp at sunrise for a photo-op?  Maybe, maybe not.  When you’re just out wandering around with your camera, your expectations are different.  The photo pressure’s off.  It’s OK to go home without a 4 or 5 star image.  But the opportunities for photos may be a lot more varied than if you set off with a specific photo goal in mind.  And if you do come home with a nice photo or two it’s a bonus.

So, just go wandering.  And keep your eyes and mind open to the beautiful nature show happening all around you.  And take a camera.

©2010, Ed Rosack. All rights reserved.

P.S.  We drove by the Lake Jesup wildflower fields this morning and they’re just about all gone.  If you didn’t make a photo there this year, you’ll have to wait until late next September for your chance.