Drive-By Shooting

   Yesterday, as I was taking a look in the computer at some of the shots I had taken on our trip back across Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia, I thought I might have a good photo in there somewhere. Some were fair, but nothing to really brag about (one of these I shared yesterday in this blog).

   So I took a couple of the originals and sent them to a friend who is much more knowledgeable than I, and asked what he might do if they were his. How would he bring out the good points and capture the image that was there?

   One of mine is here:

   Now I will put in one of his shots.

   I know there is no comparison in the quality of the photos, but then there is no comparison in the quality of the photographers either. Here is his thoughts on my questions:

"When faced with this kind of temptation, I often (erroneously) resort to taking snapshots. A "drive by shooting" if you will. The only way I know how to maximize my opportunity to "make" a good photo is to work the scene. Dozens of shots from all angles, elevations, compositions. Often, it's not til I get back to the computer do I see the magic. Time takes time, so does quality. I worked a tide on Jeykll while you were away for two mornings at high tide. Got wet, got cold, but in the end, captured a couple of keepers."

   I like his comments on "drive-by shootings" and the need to take the time to get a quality shot.

   And I know that doing things "right" often takes more time than I am willing to put into them. Even in my quiet time in the mornings, I am tempted to read a couple of things quickly, pray for a few moments, see if I get some inspiration, then get on with my day.

   When I sit down, unhurriedly, and take the time to truly look at the words on a page, concentrate on what God is saying to me, pray from my heart the things that I feel, and listen, do I feel His presence.

   But I am still like the Children of Israel in the passage this morning, from Psalm 78:

"They remembered that God was their rock,
the Most High God their redeemer.

But they flattered him with their mouths;
they lied to him with their tongues.
Their heart was not steadfast toward him;
they were not faithful to his covenant."

   I remember what is right, but I still try the shortcuts., then realize, once again, that there are no shortcuts to quality. Quality takes time in photography, and in life.

   Too soon old and still too late smart.