To bring your camera or not on an outing

Birds I photographed at Colony Farm in Coquitlam on December 27, 2024

I love going for walks in nature.  This is especially true when I have my camera with me.  It allows me to enjoy the walk while looking for interesting things to photograph.  I suppose it is like running on a treadmill while watching your favourite show, only better.  I usually have something interesting to share afterwards, and maybe even something exciting.

Yesterday I walked with a friend with my camera and came away with a number of shots, one good one in particular.  Today I walked with another friend without my camera.  Although I enjoyed both walks, I have nothing visual to share.  I did hear or see a number of passerine birds, but without my camera and long lens I wasn't sure of one species (I think it was a winter wren, but could not see enough detail to verify it).  

In comparing the two outings, I have to say that bringing my camera makes a difference.  Gretzky's "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take" kind of applies, there are a few places I would have stopped at to get some shots.  I did enjoy the moments without my camera, but could have had some possibly amazing (dare I say world class) shots had it been there.  I guess we'll never know.

I have the same thoughts when kayaking.  I enjoy plodding through the waters on my craft, but the experience is so much more satisfying when my camera is with me.  Like the American Express slogan of some years ago, "Don't leave home without it."

Thanks for reading.

Eric Svendsen     www.ericspix.com

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