I must return

This image was the bottom of a boat at Huskisson Maritime Museum. The gorgeous blue colour instantly grabbed my attention, as it did with everyone else in our group of abstract photographers.

Yet, I only managed a few photographs of it. The first time was our scouting visit, and I said ‘I’ll be back’. Definitely not in a Arnie voice over way. We were tired and it was definitely time to go. But I definitely had in my mind that I’d be back later in the week to photograph it again.

The trouble was, that on the next visit there I saved this boat til last, and became so engrossed in the mangroves that I didn’t give myself enough time to return.

I wander back through my memory and know there are so many of these moments. Ones where I put off taking the photographs for so many reasons:

• can’t be bothered

• I’ll return at a better time

• I’m in a hurry

• my camera is buried deep in my pack or vehicle

• I don’t want to inconvenience my travelling companions

• it will always be there

• etc

The list of excuses is way too long.

The thing is we don’t return. Well, not always. Sometimes the urge is strong enough but often it isn’t.

The advice is simple really. If you see a photograph and you want to take it you should. You probably won’t return. You will probably be in a different head space and you may have moved on too. Take it now. Don’t put it off.

Old and trusted advice from many a seasoned photographer. This photograph reminds me too. Yet again. Stop and do it now, and don’t put off what can be done today.

Rhapsody in Blue. Photograph and text copyright © Len Metcalf 2020