Funny Fern First

It’s a sloshy Saturday and a Mission Impossible. Abort! a voice screams. But procrastination is the thief of time. That’s a fact. Mondays are a good day to start dieting, fasting, or a new project, or turn over a new leaf. That’s if you toe the line, not when you zig when everyone else zags.   

An article in a magazine inspired me to start a 365-day photographic challenge. The discipline, passion, and commitment I saw motivated me to push my limits and improve my skills.

If there’s one thing we can be sure of, it’s the weather during the Easter Weekend. It will rain. So, sure enough, it was pouring this morning. Great, I thought. I’ll use the rain as my subject. 

I brought my 50mm Canon lens. Shooting RAW in Manual mode, I enjoy its speed and its wide aperture range from 1.4 to 22, which helps me explore different styles and techniques. I'd love to hear your favourite gear and tips.

We had a luncheon appointment, and I always take my Canon 5D Mark II. Today, I used the 50mm lens, knowing that after lunch we’d take a slow drive home and I’d be able to shoot my first 365 photograph. As luck would have it, the rain had stopped, but the sky and the sea were grey. The streets were beginning to dry, walkers along the cliff path had closed their brightly coloured umbrellas, and jackets were being stripped off. Lo and behold, I spotted a school of dolphins surfing in the waves, a mere 10 meters from the path. Brilliant! Nope, not with a 50mm lens.

Although I’m disappointed not to have captured the magic of a school of dolphins, I had the chance to watch and enjoy them, which I rarely do because the “shot” always comes first. Focusing on available light and exploring different angles helped me appreciate the moment more. I used the available light and paid attention to the backgrounds, avoiding clutter. I walked around my subjects, trying different angles and levels. I didn't use a tripod or a flash.

In future I’ll have a long lens in my bag too.   

A 50mm lens is versatile and fast, performs well in low light, isn’t intimidating, is great for street photography, and is light enough for handheld use (although I wish I’d taken my tripod too).

What would you do if you came across a rare school of dolphins? Are you always prepared for every eventuality? Having the right gear, such as a compact camera with a good zoom or a DSLR, can make a difference. Please share your thoughts and ideas on how you stay prepared for unexpected moments.

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