Staying in Shape

A few days ago I had a most frustrating experience photographically, one which I have not had in many decades—I could not record the shot(s) onto my CF Card (it was full).

The last time this ever happened to me was when I was shooting with actual photographic film (Kodak)—I had none in the camera.

The circumstances were thus: I had been hoping to get photos of the New England Patriots Plane taking off with the team on it to one of their games. I live very near T.F.Green Airport which is where the Patriots Plane is stored and from which the team departs to away games.

As luck would have it I was driving by the airport and noticed the plane loading with gear and players. I hurried home to get my camera and arrive at a City park right next to the airport which had a vantage point (not an optimal one, but acceptable for when the plane actually immediately lifts off) where I could shoot unimpeded. I was elated. But drawbacks were: it was cold with a northwest wind chill making it below freezing, and I was shooting into the setting sun.

Nonetheless, I figured that when the plane became airborne I would get some great clean shots. I was imposition and freezing (with numb fingers), the plane was lifting off a few yards from me, and the camera suddenly became unresponsive. All I could do is watch the Patriots plane fly beautifully off into the sunset without my glorious captured photographs of it.

My CF Card was full. I knew I had many photos on the card but was remiss in not deleting them.

The lesson I learned is you can not forget the basics of being prepared for the circumstances of shooting fleeting moments. Whether it’s weather, gear, knowing the circumstances, or things as lens cleaners, batteries, recording media, whatever. Attention to details means everything.

The posted photo is of  Sakonnet Point Lighthouse, RI, on a blustery day in November, 2016, where again I was not prepared, since because of the wind, I was not able to get as many clear photos due to camera shake. I was on a tripod and about 1.5 feet off the ground but nonetheless, I was not prepared. The photo was taken with a Canon 5 DS, EF70-200mm f/4L IS USM lens @ 185mm, f22,1/80″, -0/67, ISO100, post processing with DxO Optics Pro 11, Adobe Camera Raw, using a gradient map in Photoshop, and Nik Color Efex Pro.