Roseatte Spoonbill captured by Z 9 / Z600f4TC
There are a lot of quotes attributed to the late Ansel Adams. One I enjoy is his answer to the question, “How many photos does it take to have a great one?” His answer was to the point, “One.” I had the good luck to have a couple of conversations with Ansel back in the day, and kinda think he meant personal best rather than world’s best. It just takes, one.
The aspect of this photo I love the most and why I think it’s the best is because how the image came to be. The amazing Deb Sandrige was on the boardwalk and, without hesitation, signaled me over to shoot next to her. Then the community on the boardwalk swallowed me up with jokes, information, introduction, simply with the joy of all sharing at grand experience. Deb then shared that the male spoonbill in the afternoon will often go to this one spot to bathe. And as if on Deb’s que, it flew off and down to the water.
Deb suggested where to go stand for the best and said give it time. Give it time. That was the beauty of this moment, this experience, this group of photographers. No chasing required, not thousands of images praying to get that one, just smelling the roses and knowing that nature will offer up the best opportunity if given time. It’s why I think Ansel got it so right.