About a half hour after taking this predawn image a car arrived in the parking area with four young kids in it. Two of them got out and walked towards the lower parking area and stopped to chat with me. The young man, named Tyler, commented on the nice camera I had then asked what camera I would recommend. I told him to use his phone.
There was a meadowlark perched on a bush near us, singing away. While, along the water’s edge was a Great Blue Heron getting in some early morning fishing. When I pointed these two birds out to them the young man told me I reminded him of his grandpa. Now, was that because his grandpa is a bird watcher or because I look old enough to be his grandpa? This is a trick question.
4 Comments
Faye
Gorgeous photo! I admit, I would have been freaked out to be out there alone and approached by strangers. Who then showed interest in my camera. It’s a sad commentary on the state of things these days but I would not have been comfortable carrying on a conversation out in the wilderness.
Monte Stevens
I felt no threat in the situation and it is a natural area with many people nearby. I would say they were around 20ish. My assumption is he was attempting to show off to the the young lady, showing her his courage. If I’d been in a wilderness area with no one around, it would have been a different situation. And, it was a beautiful sunrise!
Tom Dills
Maybe I’m naive, but a family (I assume) out to witness morning light at a natural area is a wonderful thing. Yes, the kids (parents, too?) probably retreated to their usual distractions shortly thereafter. But a threat? Only perhaps to your solitude.
I can see where you might remind people of their grandfather, and for a number of good reasons. You’re just that kind of guy. 😉
And the advice about cameras was excellent. Most people wouldn’t want to mess with a camera, even if they think otherwise. And their phones will be just fine.
Monte Stevens
Well, I am a grandfather for sure. Yes, the can return home with wonderful images taken with the newer phones.
I never know when someone who approaches me about cameras is also an avid photographer so good conversations can spring forth from these moments.