Day 7 – The last day…….

Just like they write the script, perfect ending….  The remaining students went out for sunrise on Otter Point beach this morning and the sun co-operated, as it has all week.  Perfect warm light flooded the incoming tide and spectacular rocks along the shore.  When we got down to the beach there were about another 20 people all lined up for the sunrise so we took up position along the semi circle facing the far cliffs and the warm sky out to sea. About ten minutes before the sunrise a photographer walked out on the rocks, right in front of all 30 some odd shooters, right in our frame.  Most everyone waited to see if he came over to join us, but instead he kneeled down right in front.   Everyone was scratching their heads when the sun started to rise.  Now he gets up and walks back in front of everyone’s camera trying to find just the spot he wanted while blocking all of ours!!!!  Someone yelled out, “Hey can you move out of the way?”   He turned back to the assembled crowd and angrily said, “Where do you want me to go??!!”  I said, just come over and join us!  I wanted to say, “how about a mile out to sea…….”  It never ceases to amaze me how inconsiderate some people are of other photographers.  On more than one occasion when my group has been the first to  arrive at a great location to secure the best spots, when others have come to late, I will help them interweave with my group so they don’t miss the shot!!  How anyone could step in front of other shooters and not seem to care is beyond me.

Being a photographer is often about setting up in the perfect spot, but I don’t  think it should ever be about ruining someone else’s shot just to get it yourself.  I was able to content aware him out of the frame, I just feel sorry for folks that go through life blindly unaware of others.  The real joy of this trip has been the fellowship, the laughter, the great times enjoying the craft together.  Anyone who misses that has missed it all!

The next time you go out to shoot, take a deep breath and enjoy, just being there, God has blessed us with an incredibly beautiful world, share it and enjoy it.

God Bless,

the pilgrim

Photo Note:   D7000, 24-120 AF-S VR lens.  First shot Nik Color Efex Pro 4.0  Sunrise/Sunset recipe,  second same software dark top and dark bottom of a 3 shot HDR image.