It’s what you don’t see

Click to enlarge

From an early age, we’re told to concentrate. Pay attention. Focus.

‘Eat your food – stop daydreaming.’

‘Hurry up or you’ll be late for school.’

‘Johnny talks too much in class and disrupts the other children.’

To remedy a child’s attention deficit we brand with an acronym – ADHD – and medicate with Ritalin. And yet, the wondering mind is very often an inquisitive brain moving from one interesting point to another stimulating topic. It’s the essence of creativity and we stifle it with conformity, blinkers and barriers.

We’ve all seen stunning pictures of sunsets.  Blues and reds, yellows and oranges blended into the landscape to create a mind-blowing image. As a photographer, there’s much to be done to achieve that winning image. Consult the weather forecast – clouds enhance the outcome. Check the sun set times. Before, during and after – all provide great image opportunities. Get there. Set up. Wait for the right moment. Take the pic.

Concentration, attention to detail and focus make for a great pic.

I’ve often wondered, however, how many photographers turn around and look at the scene behind them. If they did, they might see a blend of soft purples, violets, pinks, dark blues and greys – making for an equally brilliant pic. I’ve done so a few times, to my pleasant surprise.

A trip to the game park is a classic example of see all, miss something. You’re in your vehicle, eyes peeled for THAT animal – the one on top of your ‘to see’ list. We once sat for ages watching an elephant making its way towards us. What we hadn’t seen was the three lions sprawled across the road less than 100 metres ahead.

Too often, I’ve been so focused on finding game that I miss the scenery. Hence today’s pic. This shot of Kruger Park scenery, sans animals, is every bit as good as my lion pics.

And I might have missed it

Special note: By joining the club -just complete the details on this page - you get to choose how you'd like to receive updates, your data is safe and we won't spam you.