Snatched Moments
Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at 9:02 PM 
Ever since I first wielded a camera a couple of years ago, I’ve been one of those annoying people who lags miles behind everyone else when out walking or sightseeing. I hang back, steal a few quick shots, then have to leg it to catch up with the rest of the gang. Before immediately falling behind again. And so on. Over and over and over. Keeps me fit!
This stop-start, keep-half-an-eye-on-the-others-so-I-don’t-lose-them approach doesn’t make for relaxed photography, but a) I’m obsessed, and b) I still glean some worthwhile images. What’s more, a moment which was hurried and snatched at the time becomes something significant and lasting….one I can revel in and ponder at leisure.
These ducks were a quick grab by the lake in Lucerne last Saturday morning. Now I’m enjoying their company at home in the Pennines, keeping them close by me. The sight of them makes me smile and takes me back not only to that split second, crouched on the ground, when I snapped them; but to the beauty of the lake behind and the fabulous, lingering meal that followed.
I love the way photography condenses time into a single moment yet makes it last forever. Pure magic!
Reader Comments (6)
You take lovely photos. I LOVE them all!!! Falling behind the crowd, keeps you ahead of them in some respect. Don't you think? Just look at the images you capture! I really love every one I've seen so far. You put Dixon Hill on the map for me ; )
very interesting background that you added (technologically, I assume) to the image of the duck themselves. What software is that?
I love what you have done with this pic. The effect of the grasses (?) forming a light tunnel really makes a wonderful background for the ducks.
You sound just like me, whoever I walk with always has to either stand around and wait for me while I take another photo, or I have to be quick and then catch up. However, it is impossible not to take photos! It would be agony to be out and not have my camera with me!
Thankyou for visiting my blog, and your lovely email, I really appreciated hearing from you, and it has made a wonderful start to my day.
Take care.
Hi Helen, glad I found you! Your blog is right up my street. I too am one of those annoying people who lag behind and then catch up only to lag behind again. I think I drive everyone mad. Floss never complains though! Dogs are perfect walking partners don't ya think? Anyway, had a lovely time reading through your blog, you've inspired me to make a photo mosaic for one of my next posts. I will be back!
I actually drew the 'grasses' that Jill refers to in an app called Meritum Paint, then layered it with the image of the ducks in the Blender app. Turned out nicely, n'est-ce pas? :)
Turned out very nicely indeed.
I was thinking about the very same thing about how that single moment is captured forever when I was washing up last night....and wishing that my family had been into photography. I think all the photos we have from my childhood were given to us by friends...and thank goodness for them, or we wouldn't have any precious visual memories.
I know the rhythm of the click and run very well too :~) Hope your Sunday is as sunny as it is here....have a good one.