“How is that convention center? I bet we could get good shots there” I asked. My friend replied with a downtrodden, defeated voice “Eh, it’s OK. Too dark, not much you can see”.
I thanked my friends for meeting up with me (I think they were just excited to get out and wear shorts in February). I waved goodbye and started to head towards the car.
But after walking past the Convention Center several times myself, often with regret. I felt I could change it this time. Especially with what I saw as a challenge. Too dark? Let me take a shot at it.
No More Excuses.
What was someone else’s disappointment was my canvas.
A brand new opportunity.
I had about 30 Minutes to spare before I had to run up to my Girlfriends work to meet her, But it felt like an hour.
I started seeing magical lines, faintly lit lights, revealing parked buses. The recent rain shimmering across the concrete, followed by angles that would surely align my vision.
Like a patient hunter, I found a subject to create depth to my vacant scene. I was convinced I could prove my friends wrong. And it actually happened.
My treasure had revealed itself.
Because I believed in creating something
-All within a half hour. Despite my peers review of the location.
I quickly realized the moment, re-adjusted to focus and really emphasize my new subject. With no spare time for the tripod, I cranked the ISO and snapped several scenes.
In the moment, I resounded ” Yes, THANK YOU ” It looked awesome. I carried the excitement to the final product below
I’m thankful because I have something to share with my discouraged Friends. More importantly, because perseverance can be so rewarding.
I encourage you to go out today with a new Book, Camera, (preferably not a phone because often it’s too distracting).
Think minimal. Something that is easy to put down.
Find a nice place to relax, and when you look up and notice the light is just right, or there’s a dense cloud formation that makes the surroundings moody and dramatic.
This could be your moment. Reward yourself by taking the chance, creating the chance, and following through. So when they tell you ” There’s not much there”. You can show them what you found.
And maybe it’ll happen within 30 minutes.
