Evening Ramble With Camera

Yesterday evening I took my camera and long lens over to Como Park and walked around the Como Conservatory’s outdoor water gardens. Most of the water gardens were in the shade. A brisk breeze kept me feeling cool. It was a perfect

Evening Ramble With Camera

There were very few people about because the zoo and Conservatory were closed. So I took my time with my long lens (Canon 100 – 400 mm) on my camera photographing water lilies and other nearby flowers.

My habitual pattern in the evenings is to finish eating dinner, clear the dishes and clean-up, and then take a long soak in the bathtub. After dinner last night I was oh so tempted to forget about my evening photography plans and head for my evening soak (it helps sore muscles SO much).

But I asked myself my much-used question…

If not now, when?

Are you a born writer? Were you put on earth to be a painter, a scientist, an apostle of peace? In the end the question can only be answered by action.

Do it or don’t do it.
…
Creative work is not a selfish act or a bid for attention on the part of the actor. It’s a gift to the world and every being in it. Don’t cheat us of your contribution. Give us what you’ve got.”
― Steven Pressfield, The War of Art: Winning the Inner Creative Battle

And I decided that I did want to drive over to Como Park and wander in the outdoor gardens. As usual, when resistance or laziness temps me to cancel my photography outing plans, I was so glad that I decided to make the effort to go.

It was a perfect evening, neither too hot nor humid, and beautifully peaceful wandering around by myself. I wasn’t there long — perhaps 30 – 45 minutes. And when I finished my wandering the only part of my body that was tired and sore was my wrists. My full-frame camera along with the long lens is very heavy.

Do What You Love

But I do love using it. And I love wandering around with my camera on a beautiful summer evening making photographs.

Do whatever brings you to life, then. Follow your own fascinations, obsessions, and compulsions. Trust them. Create whatever causes a revolution in your heart.”
― Elizabeth Gilbert, Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear

I’ve begun shopping for a replacement camera that is lighter and easier to carry. The choices available are boggling my mind. And deciding which features are most important to me is hard. But I will figure this out a little bit at a time and when the time is right, buy a new camera.

How are you this beautiful July week my friends? Are you taking time to enjoy nature and the feeling of the breeze on your skin?

May you walk in beauty.