The Perfect Photo

Have I captured that perfect photo? You know the one. The one where as soon as you pressed the shutter you felt joy. You paused to take in the moment…with some disbelief that you actually got it. Everything just came together. The sun was lighting up the beautiful clouds with orange, red, and purple goodness like you’ve never seen before. The mist hung perfectly in the trees providing a mysterious vale to the forest. The water was without a ripple. That flock of birds just happened to fly through your shot at the perfect moment. Your composition was like a legendary painting. You can’t wait to get home and open it on your computer and start editing. The perfect print. Everyone is going to love it on social media!

Unfortunately, I have to say no. Came close a few times. Luck was heavily involved…as it always is. Sure, there have been several photos that I’m really proud of, but I haven’t gotten that PERFECT photo yet. Or have I?

We often think of perfection as consisting of all the technical elements of photography that have been drilled into us. You know the ones…the rules. If its going to be a great picture it has to follow the rule of two thirds, its got to be super sharp, don’t forget to shoot in Raw and don’t over edit. Remember to expose for the highlights and don’t crush your shadows. Wow! So many rules. How can anyone even remember all of these without a cheat sheet. Oh, and don’t forget you better have the newest and most expensive equipment. You're not a real photographer unless you have the latest camera. And, let’s not forget that the only way you can get that elusive photo is to travel to exotic far away places. Heck, social media demands that.

Well, in retrospect, maybe I have captured that perfect photo. Not because I followed any rule, bought the latest gear, or was technically sound, but maybe because the perfect photo doesn’t require any of these things. Maybe the perfect photo is the one that has your soul in it. You felt and saw something special that day when you pressed the shutter. That perfect photo has YOU in it. You see something that maybe no one else does, but it makes you feel good.

So, I guess I have taken the perfect photo. Quite a few actually. The opportunistic shot of the bird flying straight toward me, the ducks swimming through golden morning shadows, the sea oats on the dunes. Were they technically perfect? No. Did they follow the rules? No. Did I have the latest gear? No. But I felt so good when I made those photos. The perfect photos. ~

This is the first of many blogs. I hope you join me on my journey where we will talk about the joy of taking photos…perfect photos.