“We should all start to live before we get too old. Fear is stupid. So are regrets.”
―
Last night, as the lunar eclipse show began, I sat working at my computer. I had a list of reasons why I was not planning to photograph the eclipse. These reasons included:
- I don’t really have the skills to capture the eclipse.
- I don’t have the right kind of equipment to capture the eclipse.
- I am exceptionally tired from the weekend.
- It is cold outside…really cold.
But…
I kept going outside to experience the Super Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse of 2019 with my eyes. It was so fascinating.
At around midnight, I started setting up my camera. I had nothing at all to lose, (except time and warmth). I set up right on my back porch and did my best. It is what I tell my students to do each day.
What I discovered was that I was able to figure enough out to walk away with images that will help me remember the awe I experienced last night watching one of the miracles of nature. I learned a lot about how to use functions on my camera that I have not used before. I felt fully alive and exhilarated as I froze on my back porch for two hours.
Once I was finished photographing, I uploaded, processed and composited the images together. It took me another hour to warm up and calm down from the excitement of what I witnessed.
In the past, I have had too many photographic regrets.
One day I jumped out of the car to photograph some kittens and then saw a lady sitting in her yard surrounded by about fifty cats. Our eyes met. I will always regret not having the courage to ask her if I could take her picture. I knew, from her eyes, that she would have allowed me to take that photograph. That image is vivid in my memory.
I regret the time my family went to Horseshoe Bend and I was too nervous to get close enough to the edge to take a proper picture of it.
I regret that when I had the opportunity to photograph a total solar eclipse in my area, I did not do everything in my power to make that happen.
Life is precious and sweet. I work hard to live each day to the fullest.
I am thankful that I have absolutely no regrets regarding last night.
I hope you will embrace your next photographic opportunity and leave with no regrets.
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Well said Mary! Great job on capturing the moon shots.
Thank you, Cindy! So glad we got to experience this together (even if we were miles apart in location:))!
Great shots Mary, and wise words. I can’t agree enough on doing away with ‘photo regrets’. I said ‘yes’ when photo friends asked me to go camping, something I’d never done before, at age 56, and I’ve not regretted that at all! (but just don’t park close to my car. lol!).
Ha, Ha, Ha…on the old car comment! So glad we both took the chance on camping trips!
Beautiful work Mary! I opted to stay inside, some regrets but I’m glad you went out!
Thanks, Bill! It was chilly!:)
Always learn something from the things you write about Mary. Photographic regrets, I have many, but also think they will be less in the future after reading your article.
Thank you, so much, Dan! So happy to share!
Good for you Mary! We were at my sister’s near Ocean Isle Beach! Just a block away from the Shallotte River! We were watching and I said I sure hope Mary is watching with her camera! Really cool! Thank you for sharing your pictures! Glad you took the chance! Love you girl!
Love you, too, Frances! Thank you! I am so glad that you were experiencing it, too! Really indescribable beauty!
Well said Mary. You are always an inspiration.
Thank you, so much, Connie! Greatly appreciated!
Beautiful creation, MP! Your comments hit home-was in Monument Valley @ Ford’s Point, borrowed a horse (never been on one before) rode out to the tip (WAY UP in air) just as John Wayne did! I have a ‘dislike’ of heights but thought I may never get the opportunity again! Love your work & mindset! Best of Good Fortunes in 2019!
Thanks, Ron, for your very kind words! I am so glad that you took that risk!
Mary, I am always inspired by your posts! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you, so much, Pam! That means a lot!