As photographers we always seem to be chasing that on big picture that will make us famous or rich or even better both. Unfortunately many of us will probably at the end of the day end up on the infamous list of people who did not achieve their full photographic potential. This is not due to a lack of skill, or a lack of equipment or due to a lack of opportunities. It is most often due to us not utilizing the opportunities coming our way. We must unfortunately also be realistic, lets say I love wildlife photography, but due to my financial/personal circumstances I can only once in a while get to Rietvlei Nature reserve. I just cannot afford to go to Sabi Sands or the Masai Mara or Kgalagadi…..? Ok some people pack their camera’s away and stop taking photos, because they will never be able to go to that place. I have however luckily also seen people who have taken as many photos as possible at any opportunity that they get, even if it is just around the house. I have seen people like this achieve photographic honors at societies like the PSSA. To those people: I salute you !
So the bottom line is, if you are going to wait for the great opportunity or even great photograph to fall in your lap, you will not get that photograph. Once again this weekend I have seen people push themselves beyond their own comfort zones to be in a position to maybe get that illusive great photo. And did he/she get that photograph? We I am not sure yet, but it does not really matter. He/she have put themselves out there and have gone the extra mile and have had the opportunity to take that photograph. An lets say he/she have not taken that illusive magical picture, what now……Do anything but give up. Next time prepare better or differently and try again. You will get there…… !!! Where is there !!!! Well it may not be on the front page of National Geographic, or African Flyer or Pix. It might just be on your living room wall. That should be enough, as we (as photographers) are often our own harshest critics.
So get out of bed, or your comfortable chair and get out there to shoot some magical images.
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