surfer wisdom

The other day when I was at the beach, I overheard two surfers debating whether they should go surfing or not. "The waves aren't that great" said one of them. The other replied "but you know what they say: When in doubt, paddle out." Then they both laughed and went for it.

Their little conversation got me thinking about our photography and how we should also always choose to put ourselves out there to get the shots. When in doubt, take that walk, bring that camera, take that shot. I don't know how many times I was filled with regret for not bringing my camera and not believing there would be something worth shooting on my way to work or on a rainy day. There is always something happening and waiting to be captured. And there is always something to be learned from every click, every experience. When in doubt, shoot.

So today, how about sharing a shot from that day or moment you hesitated, but went for it anyway?

Comments

[Darlene]

I love your image! The blue/green tones are fabulous.

About a year ago I remember hesitating to bring my camera out to do the morning chores on my little farm. I take pictures nearly every day of my animals and I thought to myself "what more can I capture of my constant subjects?" Well, the images I got that morning have been my most favorite - even to this day.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/whimsicalyearsphotography/3388864251/in/photostream/

[georgia]

i very much agree with what you've written.

in my "about" section on my blog, i talk about this. i say how i think there is hardly a place that is not worth taking some sort of photograph, and so i bring my camera with me absolutely every where i go... i don't even carry a purse anymore. just my camera bag and a wallet.

i was so glad to have my camera with me when i left the office the other night last week, for there was a lovely little cardinal just outside the entrance in this tree. i stood in the parking lot and clicked until i got a shot of him chirping... beak wide open. well worth it!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/28567264@N05/4522730101/

{p.s. love your photo today!}

[Tara R.]

This is a wonderful shot!

Recently I wrote a post about how I wanted to be less self-conscience in my photography. If I needed to lay on the ground to get a shot I wanted I needed to do it and not worry about how it looked. I want to be braver in my photography.

I walked by this shot at least three times before I took a knee and snapped away. I was glad I did....

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ifmomsaysok/4042346731/

[claudia]

I noticed my neighbors star magnolias yesterday, obvious white flowers sticking out against the still leafless trees. I took my camera even though it's just starting to bloom. I'm glad I did
http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurohunt/4527330146/

[camerashymomma ~ meredith winn]

gorgeous image alex! and your title makes me smile and conjurs up a lovely dream. we have alot to learn from the surfers of this world! i'm glad you were open to receiving their conversation. when in doubt, paddle out. it's perfect and absolutely true!

[mosey]

That image makes me want to head for the coast right this minute. So lovely. And great words to live by!

On a recent trip to Hong Kong, I almost didn't bring my camera on one day because the fog was so dense. The visibility from the Peak was nil. But I might have missed out on this one otherwise...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7687752@N03/4485496653/

[AnnGeeDee]

At the last minute, I decided to pull off of the road I drive to and from work everyday to take pictures of the power lines. I was hesitant because l was worried someone might not approve of me standing beneath the open electric towers, but in the end, I managed to grab a few great shots and it only took a few minutes. It seems silly, but I felt braver after doing it. Here's one of the shots I got that day: http://www.flickr.com/photos/40070449@N08/4485467592/

[Tracey Clark]

the other day I had my camera in the car (with an amazing lens I had rented) and there was a mama duck and her ducklings crossing traffic. everyone stopped for them, thankfully. it was a precious moment. as debated whether or not to turn back to try to capture the little family as they went on their way but I hestated and didn't go back. honestly, i kind of wished now I would have.

[Kelly Langner Sauer]

I almost didn't take the walk. Two kids, a double stroller, health issues that leave me so tired right now... But she wanted to go, so I took the camera, and the baby fell asleep, and she blew dandelions and we both got our feet full in river-mud and she threw rocks in the water. It was so worth the tired. So worth the memory.
http://kellysphotographyblog.blogspot.com/2010/04/river.html

[Jayne Bramley]

I almost couldn't be bothered to go out again but then I looked at the dog and the sun just about to go down and decided to go out for one last walk with my camera.

I took this photo and I am so happy that I did....so simple, yet it captures my mood so well. I am so excited to finally have warm weather after a very long NE winter, my toes can feel the sunshine and the green, green grass - yay!!!!!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/14261878@N08/4531036493/

[joelipka]

Great Minds run on the same track.

http://www.joelipkaphoto.com/photo_blog/content/square_peg_17_2_large.html

Same thought, different place, different photograph.

[carol]

beautifull

[Nichole]

I debated this afternoon on my way out the door, for a coffee date with my husband, whether to bring my camera along with me. I decided in the end to leave without it. What amazing opportunities I missed on the drive to my husband's office alone! I had many regrets of shots not taken to share with my hubby over coffee. But, out of my dissappointment comes a renewed commitment to never leave my camera at home again. I try to live my life expectantly and willingly to recieve the blessings that are there for me... I should do the same with photo opportunities.
Thank you for the reminder...