It was an evening not unlike others at the beach. Neighbours gathered to tell their stories of the day and watch the sunset before retiring home for the evening.
I wasn't going to bring my camera. Isn't that always the way?
As we stood catching up on each other's goings-on, I began to watch the cloud formations. It was the end of summer and the sun and clouds seem to take on a different feel and colour as the nights cooled off in preparation for the changing season.
It wasn't long before I broke away from the group and quietly walked towards my camera gear stowed in the UTV. No explanation is needed when I just turn and walk. Everyone knows. "There she goes" is what I often hear. I make no apologies!
I was compelled to use a zoom lens, though the cloud cover and sunset as a whole were pretty spectacular in their formations and colour across the western sky.
But something else was brewing. I could feel it.
I watched as the sun made its way towards the day's destination, daily moving ever further south in the sky to where it would set. That's when I was reminded of the tree line at the point between me and the western edge of the lake.
The edge was starting to touch the highest point in the distance and I had to align myself in the exact right spot to capture what I had envisioned.
It was only half visible now, yet it just wasn't quite right. That's when i figured it out. I sat down on the pebbled shore and raised my camera. There it was. The trees cut a perfect silhouette with just enough of the sun still visible. Not overpowered by the brightness of the sun, the colour in the clouds and the contrast of the trees made for a perfect subject above the waters.
Take the camera. Always.
