Missed opportunity - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

03/19/2007 10:29:57 PM · #1

I just missed what was probably the best sunset Ive seen since I moved close to the beach - by a mere ten minutes.

There were two bright rainbows over the city, which was lit up orange by the setting sun. The clouds above the city were also lit up by the last light of day. Looking westward, the sun was beaming through a lone hole in the clouds to let the sunset through.

What annoys me so much is I had a feeling this was going to happen, and made a mental note to head to the beach around 630 to see if anything developed. I completely forgot, and noticed the orange clouds only after it was too late. I ran to the beach and snapped off several uninspiring photos, only to be rained on during the walk home.

What I'm wondering is how often does this happen to you? Have you ever seen the perfect shot that was gone by the time you could shoot it? Is it always this frustrating? Please, let me know that I'm not alone in this misery!

JeffDay

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

03/19/2007 10:43:16 PM · #2

I have missed more great shots than I have taken.....I used to get really frustrated with missing the ideal shot, or being out in the field and mother nature not helping out. But have learned to enjoy the process, being out there is why I am there, not the end result of capturing a great shot.

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

03/19/2007 10:47:43 PM · #3

I think I'm more annoyed that I KNEW it would happen, and just plain blew it. I usually really enjoy being out there shooting, whether I get a shot or not.

JeffDay

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

03/19/2007 11:02:32 PM · #4

The key phrase in your post is "I completely forgot". I can see how you would be frustrated and annoyed.

sabphoto

Samsung Galaxy S8/S8+

03/19/2007 11:04:33 PM · #5

I've missed a couple opportunities like this, but the ones that make me mad is when I think it's gonna be a nice sunset/sunrise and either I'm busy and can't do anything about it or I'm in a location that just sucks for it. So I have to watch between buildings or such and just shake my head knowing I was right and couldn't even take advantage of it.

Shadowi6

Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX-DC HSM

03/19/2007 11:08:48 PM · #6

more frustrating for me is being at the location at the right time in the right place with the right gear, saying to myself, if only I was a better photographer to realy capture this moment. sigh... in time perhaps

DrAchoo

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

03/19/2007 11:46:13 PM · #7

I forgot to go out and look for the comet the one day it was visible here in the NW...

EducatedSavage

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II

03/20/2007 03:50:45 AM · #8

I have a beautiful view of the sunset every evening right out my front door... sunset over the mountains... most beautiful colors. And a whole wild pack of power lines crisscrossing all of my sky. Used to make me twitchy, but now I'm getting used to it.

The good thing is, it'll happen again. There's a sunset everyday, so everyday is a new opportunity.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

03/20/2007 04:00:38 PM · #9

Luckily for me, it a mix of sun and cloud again today.

This time, I will not be caught off-guard!

Melethia

Canon EOS-80D

03/20/2007 04:04:49 PM · #10

Interesting you should post this. Yesterday the sky was magnificent in the evening here and I found myself first thinking "wish I had my camera", but secondly thinking I'm quite grateful for my photography addiction, for otherwise I might not have simply stopped to enjoy such a splendid sky. Sometimes just watching is quite nice all by itself.

Citadel

Nikon D7500

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

03/20/2007 04:06:41 PM · #11

A small opportunity missed but missed nonetheless. There was a pigeon and a few chickadees eating together and I thought it would make a cool picture. I started digging out my camera and was just about to take the lens cap off when this idiot scared all the birds away.

Of course, no sooner had I put my camera away when all the birds were back but by then the magic of the scene was gone and I was just frustrated.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

03/20/2007 04:09:13 PM · #12

Originally posted by Melethia:

An excellent point. I dont know anyone else (in my peer group) that looks at the world around me like I do. I feel sorry for them.

Citadel

Nikon D7500

03/20/2007 04:11:52 PM · #13

Isn't a rule for all photographers that when you don't have your camera you wish you did? Murphy's Law of Photography I suppose.

drewbixcube

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

03/20/2007 04:56:08 PM · #14

Originally posted by Citadel:

Isn't a rule for all photographers that when you don't have your camera you wish you did? Murphy's Law of Photography I suppose.

Yes and when you take your camera to the duck blind to shoot ducks, you see very little action and lighting conditions are horrible. When you don't take your camera, there are plenty of ducks to shoot, and great light for shooting pictures after you limit out. I am still trying to figure out how the ducks know I packed my camera. They are getting smarter.

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II

03/20/2007 04:57:15 PM · #15

Originally posted by drewbixcube:

They are getting smarter.

Sounds to me like they are getting eaten!

EducatedSavage

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

03/20/2007 07:13:37 PM · #16

Originally posted by Citadel:

Isn't a rule for all photographers that when you don't have your camera you wish you did? Murphy's Law of Photography I suppose.

Wait - when don't you have a camera? Are we supposed to do that? I mean, is it allowed? :D