Running down along the Riverfront Trail in The Dalles, Oregon, a distant dream came back to mind when I saw the National Geographic Ship Sea Bird at The Dalles Port. Ah, to be on board that ship and to have a photo published in the magazine. That was the dream.
The dream started back in high school when I took my first black and white photography class. Come to think of it, it might have started a little sooner. High school was just the time when I began to understand the art of photography. For the next several years, all I wanted to do was take pictures and work for National Geographic. I mean, who didn’t? Looking at the magazine and seeing where their photography would take them. I’ve always loved traveling and I think National Geographic was one thing that got me interested in seeing more of the world. This would have been an amazing job. Yet, what would family life look like? It wouldn’t have ever been the job for me. I loved holding up the camera and finding the perfect composition and using the features of the camera to capture the perfect image rather than just taking a snapshot. I have still been able to partial live that dream. It just now doesn’t include National Geographic or the ship Sea Bird.
Today anyone and everyone can take a snapshot and even edit a photo. Not everyone can truly take a great picture. I even find myself taking snapshots more often these days. I so badly want to take the camera out and take the time to capture the perfect image. However, I find it harder than I ever thought it would be with a little man in tow. It is hard to be able to take the time needed to get that great photo. I get a little jealous watching Brent take the photos, but I do love my little man and wouldn’t trade it for anything. I’ll figure it out one day and maybe the little man will even enjoy it with me.