Waiting…

Not always is it worth the wait. This time it was.

When I go out to shoot I most often go alone. Landscape photography requires thoughtful composition and the right conditions to make an amazing image. Both of those attributes require time and I hate to make people wait for me - thus I usually go alone. This day Trudy came along with me. Despite my concern that she would be bored, she brought a book and assured me that she would gladly wait.

We pulled into the parking lot about an hour and a half before sunset. I slung my camera bag over my shoulder and began the 15 minute walk out to the top of the little hill. To find the place on the map search for the Tourond Discover Centre. That is it’s name now. When I was a child it was known as the Kleefeld dump. When you’re on top of the hill you can faintly smell the decomposition happening beneath your feet.

As I crested the hill and looked south I saw the scene that is in this photo. The fall sunlight was shining on the clump of trees and it was looking pretty good. The clouds stretching across the sky were providing significant interest in the composition. I took my time setting up the tripod and carefully framing the image. Just as soon as I had everything the way I wanted it the sun slipped behind a large patch of clouds. As I looked at the horizon I could see that there was a gap in the clouds right at the horizon line. If I waited there was a chance that the sun would light up the scene with the most amazing side lighting. The problem was that according to my calculations it would take 45 minutes for the sun to come back out.

So I waited. With the temperatures near freezing my thin gloves and jacket soon proved inadequate to keep me warm. Yet I waited… There was a promise of something better.

A couple taking their dogs for a walk stopped by and we exchanged friendly Manitoban pleasantries. And I waited some more. By now my fingers were feeling pretty numb. My thoughts went back to the car and Trudy waiting for me. “I hope she isn’t getting frustrated. I warned her,” I thought.

A couple of ATV riders showed up at the base of the scene. “Get out of the shot!” - I grumbled under my breath. Seeing my camera and knowing that they aren’t allowed on Discovery Centre property, they quickly retreated and left the scene. And I kept on waiting. My toes were now added to the frozen appendages.

Then as I had predicted the sun burst through the clouds lighting up the trees and casting a golden glow across the sky. It was magically. I’m pretty sure I echoed photographer, Nigel Danson’s common phrase, “It doesn’t get better than this!” I snapped photos, bracketing for exposure, looking to get enough information to make sure I had the shot. As the sun slipped below the horizon, I packed up my gear. There wouldn’t be any blue hour photos today. I was too cold and too satisfied.

This photo is for all those who are waiting. Those who are struggling to stay positive, hoping for a good outcome at the end of the journey. Remain. Stay in the moment. Endure the discomfort. The light is about to burst through and illuminate a new perspective.