📷 Click Chronicles: The Award-Winning Photograph Never Captured
or The Importance of Always Carrying a Camera with You. The Story Behind the Lens: IJmuiden Beach, Netherlands
1. The One That Got Away: A Cautionary Tale
Please note, this photograph was not captured by me; rather, my wife took it using her iPhone. This incident, however, narrates a tale with which many photographers may empathize with, or it could just be me.
2. The Heavyweight Champion: My Nikon D810 DSLR
Shooting with a high-end DSLR offers numerous benefits that surpass the minor inconveniences they pose. For me, as a Travel Photographer, the primary disadvantage lies in the bulk and heft of a DSLR; such cameras are cumbersome, and toting one throughout the day can become a chore. Although mirrorless cameras boast a lighter, more compact design, I have yet to transition to this promised land. Therefore, my commentary is based solely on my experiences with my principal camera, the Nikon D810 DSLR.
I have managed to alleviate the burden of carrying a 2.16-pound camera, in addition to any lens I might be using, by using a BlackRapid Camera Strap, which significantly eases the load. Observing numerous individuals weighed down by the standard neck strap supplied with their cameras, I often wonder how they manage. Having once subjected myself to such discomfort, resulting in a sore neck, I vowed to discard those straps immediately upon acquiring a new camera—a practice I upheld when purchasing my secondary camera.
Despite the convenience of my BlackRapid strap, there are moments when I hesitate to bring my camera, particularly if I anticipate a brief outing. Such was the case at IJmuiden Beach in the Netherlands. In full transparency, I forgot to pack my camera strap for this trip and have been manually carrying my D810 paired with a Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 (an additional 3.28 pounds) for the duration of the trip so far. Consequently, when we got out of the car to stroll along the beach at sunset (foreshadowing here), I opted to leave my camera behind and simply enjoy the walk. Sigh…..
3. The Sunset Stroll Sans Camera
So let me set the scene for you, the clouds and sun are setting themselves up for potentially a beautiful sunset, a rare sight given the predominantly cloudy and rainy weather we have encountered during our trip so far. In the distance, a figure on horseback could be seen along the shoreline and we were over a kilometer from our vehicle. What were the chances that this equestrian would approach us, traversing the surf, perfectly silhouetted against the setting sun? Quite high, it seemed, in the absence of my camera. Sigh…..
4. When Your iPhone-Toting Partner Saves the Day
Fortunately, Kris, adept with her iPhone camera, saves the day and captures this picture-perfect moment, sort of. It is still an iPhone photo which is by default overprocessed and captured in their HEIC format (don’t get me started). It still provided us with a great story that we can share in our newsletter and post on social media but does nothing for my portfolio. Sigh…..
5. The Moral of the Story: Like a Boy Scout - Always Be Prepared
The lesson learned: always carry a camera. Even if it is not a DSLR or Mirrorless, a high-quality compact camera capable of capturing RAW images, such as the Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II or the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII, should be at hand. This insight first realized in Kenya, will be explored further in my next Click Chronicles article. Indeed, even a simple point-and-shoot camera can capture an award-winning photo.
6. Conclusion: Don't Miss Your Shot
In conclusion, dear reader, let this be a reminder to all of us who wander the globe in search of that perfect frame: the best camera is the one you have with you. So strap it on, pack it up, or pocket it – just make sure you're ready when the universe decides to say, "Cheese!"
Location: IJmuiden Beach, Netherlands - N 52° 27’ 16.439" E 4° 33' 31.938"
Capture Date: April 22nd, 2024 - 8:15pm
Camera and Lens: iPhone 15 Pro Telephoto
Settings: 77mm, 1/1754 sec, f/2.8, ISO 25 (Non-RAW – HEIC Format)
In Case You Missed It:
Want to see some pretty pictures? Check out all of Mark’s professional travel photography and award-winning photos at Wanderlust Photography and follow Wanderlust Photography on Instagram