Second Chances..
By
A few years back my hubby and I took an 8 day river rafting trip down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. It was the 3rd time that I had ever been to the Canyon (hopefully not my last). The Grand Canyon is the most awe-inspiring place I have ever been.
The above photograph was taken by me, with my first ever digital camera. It was a fully automatic Olympus. I was so excited by it at the time. I took many many pics on that trip. Looking through them again last night, I don’t think I’m happy with a single one of them. the image quality is really poor.
It just kills me inside that I have been to such magnificent places in the past, not having the camera equipment I have now, or the knowledge and skills I have learned over the past 12 months.
Today I am giving my first computer lesson to my artist friend, in her 70′s. And I am sure, like me, she wishes that she had learned so many things much sooner than now. But it’s never too late. I know, that one day I can go back to some of these places, and hopefully other wonderful places and have the opportunity to shoot them again.
Helen, in her 60′s, could have decided that her life was as good as it was ever going to get and just left it at that. But instead she learned to paint. She took what was a passion in her soul and turned it into a reality. And maybe if she had started 20 years earlier, who knows where she would be today. Maybe if I had not given up on my dream in my 20′s, I would have a thriving photography career by now.
But we can’t live by “maybe’s”. All I can do… All Helen can do… All anyone can do… is live from this moment. Grab the chances as they present themselves in this day, this minute, this second. And learn from those moments that we regret. And make the most of our second chances.
24 Comments
The technoilogy ivoved in the documentation of our adventures speaks volumes about the time in which we documented them. It illuminates the economic position of the photographer and the geographic availability of the equipment. This image has composure and light;; patina and position. Don’t lament the kiit:. Celebrate the image. Beautiful. Of you. Of its time.
Thank you… I had to do some serious enhancements on the original image. And I couldn’t have taken my equipment on the raft even if I had wanted to. We do the best with what we have. hugs xxoo
Thank you for a really inspiring post! I 100% agree and wouldn’t want to live my life any other way… I think your photograph of the grand canyon is absolutely incredible. The water looks alive!
Thanks so much
I think you said iit all with the sentence of “Grab the chances as they present themselves in this day. A so very true statement !
Great photo
Thanks Cowboy… Having lived with regret in the past, I am determined to make my future a different prospect
Sorry for the misspelling. Things don’t show up too well in the comments box. I”ve got on a bit of a soapbox about Lomo photos recently. I love the patina of images to reflect their time and this image does. Your eye is what what makes you a good photographer and you never need to be an apologist for your equipment. Wonderful shot !
Thats a lovely thing to say. I do know the frustration of having the vision in my head, but not the equipment or ability to make that vision a reality. The eternal struggle of the artist, I guess. Thanks so much for the comments.
Inspiring post this!
Glad you like it
My sister told her friend, when her friend was concerned about her driving from Virginia to Texas “at her age’…. “I’m not going to be any younger tomorrow.”
LOL. What a Trooper. My sister is 72 and could give the road runner, a run for the money. 
Ain’t never too late to do what you want. It is too late however to fix ‘some’ mistakes. Best to just leave in the past, and try again.
Sorry about the typos in that first comment. I also meant to mention, that I happen to think your photo is beautiful. with the variety of colors and textures. I posted too quickly. Anyway, kudos on your picture. Hopefully, I’ll see such sights in person one day.
Thanks so much, that’s very sweet… I hope you get to see them also.. it’s a magical place.
Totally agree… I hope I am running all over the countryside taking awesome pictures when I am in my 70′s
If I didn’t know any better, I”d say that this photo was painted by one of my matte-painter friends. It looks so nice and surreal!
What a wonderful thing to say… thank you so much
No regrets my dear friend. It is what it is and you where still able to capture the beauty around you with the tools you had. You can look back and see how far you have come and next time you go to the Canyon it’s beauty will still be there for you to share with us. I also totally agree with Knowmexxxphotography, the patina is wonderful.
You are so sweet Franny
I agree. It’s like a painting. It’s lovely. Lose that critical eye and enjoy, Tracie. I just posted about Firsts myself. No matter how awkwardly we stumble and fumble our way around firsts, they are still the sweetest.
I will be seventy years old in May. I don’t feel any different now than I ever did. Just a bit more sensible and lazy and de-conditioned. Seventy isn’t what seventy used to be, I think.
I’m so glad to hear you say that. I hope to be learning as much at 70 as I am today (maybe even more), and hope to still feel like the teenager on the inside that I do today. Thanks George xxoo
Wise words Tracey! Exactly , the same thing with me…..being in the most fabulous places without shooting, for example New York, etc , etc…..Nowadays I carry always a little Coolpix ….wherever I go……
I have thought about carrying a coolpix, as my regard camera bag is might heavy
Nice sharing of Inspiration Tracie, your right on it… and I love the photo u shared…
I believe everything happens at the time it’s “supposed” to happen. Although we may not always understand the “why’s” behind that timing, I believe things happen at the “right” time;) Tracie, I have to tell you this photo is gorgeous!! I am not a photographer but I am an admirer and you have given me something to awe over!! BEAUTIFUL pic!! Just beautiful!!