Keep Your Eye On The Prize

Bill: It was a late summer afternoon as I walked along the shoreline, scoping out what might be my next prize image. Nature’s food chain was on display. All shapes and sizes left prints in the sand, scampering from waves, and taking in salt air and sunshine. But wait, colorful tourists aren’t the only eye candy here--there are lots of other sea critters near the water’s edge, some flying and some crawling.

Local seagulls trolled the wet sand for tasty treats. The returning wave left a smooth coating of surface bubbles on the sand which had percolated up from just below. This was a sure sign of life the seagulls knew well--fresh crabs!

Waiting for the right moment with a sharp eye, these skilled birds speared sand bubbles hunting for prize dinner delicacies.

Quietly off to the side, this photographer crouched and waited for the right moment to catch the shot, knowing that seagulls don’t dilly dally for too long. They snatch a crab from the sand, flip it around and gulp it down in a split second. However, this proud gull seemed to pose for an instant with a fresh trophy crab. Click and gulp—it was gone. Dinner is served.

Photographer and seagull shared a breath and blinked. Each got the prize they wanted. That moment was saved…a prize souvenir picture suitable for framing.

Speaking of “Keep Your Eye On The Prize,” how about “Keep your eye on the ball”?

A keen eye, experienced anticipation, proper technique, good position and the right camera--or bat--will get you a chance for a picture--or hit. Batters that get more than 3 hits for every 10 times at bat are considered pretty good. Photographers about the same per exposure. You just have to put it all together at the right time. Easy right? Good athletes and good photographers make it look smooth, graceful, and easy.

A gazillion hundred bat swings or exposures later, you acknowledge you are still learning and honing your skill. Always! The trick is to enjoy the process. Create small victories and keep your eye on the prize. Get the picture?

And way back in the beginning of my adult life (1969--wow), the prize was a goal post, a yard line and a career in professional football with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Chicago Bears. I made it in, but then made it out just as quickly--just missed.

Target oriented, I went back to college where I re-directed my focus on a degree in Finance and Real Estate. The prize? A successful lifetime career as a very fit Real Estate Appraiser with a side hustle as a very enthusiastic Photographer.

Success is the result when you keep your eye on the prize!

“You can't always get what you want. But if you try sometimes, well, you just might find

you get what you need.” (Mick Jagger and Keith Richards)

Positively Speaking, “Sheri & Bill...Story Tellers in Word, Image and Song.”