My Camera Hates Me

I think it would be appropriate to begin this series with talking about the first time I really went out and used my brand new Nikon.  Coincidentally, it could have been the last time I used it.  If my camera could talk, I think it would say something along the lines of how much it hates me.  Sure… I’m ignorant when it comes to using it, but the hatred would stem more from the abuse and precarious situations I put it through.

It wasn’t until I was climbing across some downed trees in Oneonta Gorge, with deep frigid water rushing below me, and my camera dangling from my neck, that I though to myself “Maybe this is a bad idea”.

Oneonta Gorge is a good 3 1/2 hour drive away from where I live, so for this particular trip I thought it would be best to visit multiple shooting locations to make the most of my time.  I started with a shot of the Columbia River Gorge while standing above it.  The clouds never allowed the sun to peak through for the sunrise, so my only chance to salvage something good that morning was to head closer to the water.  I think the sunrise failure put some pressure on me, because an hour later I found myself taking off shoes, rolling my jeans up, and treading through thigh high water.  No big deal if I trip.  I’d only lose about $3000 worth of gear to the numbingly cold creek.

Normally a tranquil gorge with a picturesque waterfall during summer, this creek is a raging river complete with rapids during the early spring season.  I made it about halfway up the creek, when scooting along a downed tree on my butt, I told myself “OK, good enough”.  At this moment I could feel my heart beating, so I stopped and took a few pictures before heading back downstream to the trailhead.  That is where I was able to set up my tripod and capture the creek in a less scary situation.  And that’s where the picture for this blog comes from.

I always try to weight the risks and rewards of putting myself in situations like this.  In the end, things usually pan out.  But I know nothing is guaranteed.  Photography in a way, is a opportunity for me to face my fears.  I often find myself miles away from the nearest person.  That’s scary to me.  But when I focus on the task at hand, those emotions of fear and doubt turn to excitement and adrenaline.  After I hit the shutter button, and the image preview flashes across the screen, I think to myself “WOW! That’s a pretty picture.”  Then it hits me.  My attention transitions from a 2 inch screen to the real life image I just captured.

People often think that if you have an expensive camera it’s easy to take good pictures.  What I try to relate to people is that yes it helps. But it also takes hard work, dedication, and even a little luck.  Every image has a story.  My goal with this blog series is to tell it.  Tell about what it takes to get the shot.