Love it or hate it - they say it makes you stronger, right?
- Rochelle Goldie Uechtritz
- May 13, 2017
- 3 min read
For those that known me, two of my greatest passions are photography and the great outdoors - oh and my husband - of course. However, I think I am safe to say the chances are slim that he will read this.
Anytime time, anywhere, get my camera in my hand and I am lost for hours - literally hours upon hours. Let me tell you, my hubby would be rapidly nodding his head in agreement (if he did read this!) It takes me into another place. Yes, that's it 'my happy place'. But sometimes, just sometimes. - well okay - I admit - most of the darn time - I confess to a 'love-hate affair' with my 'happy place' when it comes to the world of macro photography.
I mean seriously, I have the utmost respect for professional wildlife photographers. I recently read one of my Nat Geo photography heroes spent 84 hours - yes 84 hours - trekking through the jungle in Brazil, to track down a rare three-toed sloth, to only have one hour to photograph him. Another one spent 18 hours - yep 18 hours - laying in the snow waiting for Polar Bear cubs to emerge.To me, that is the definition of patience - total kick-ass patience and commitment.
However for 'little ol' shutterbug hobbyist' me, nailing 'macro photography' is what tests my greatest levels of patience - and believe me, I am not a patient person - just ask my husband! That is why I am seriously contemplating amending the Wikipedia definition of 'Macro' photography' to: Muchos. Amounts. Control. Resilience. Optical-Powers. In other words, it takes an infinitesimal amount of 'stars to align' to get 'that one shot'.
Let me explain some of the elements required to get that 'one shot'.
An 'eagle-eye' to spot the tiny weeny little critters.
The ability to contort oneself into the most obscure positions - without moving or even breathing.
The upper strength of 'Zena the Amazon Warrior' to hold said camera, lens and flash gizmos for endless periods in those contorted positions - without moving or breathing.
The endurance to withstand pesky creepy crawling and biting insects that you would swear have never seen human flesh before - without moving or breathing.
The skill to set all manual camera settings and the focus within a nano second - without subject or yourself moving or breathing!
Not forgetting the unlimited patience and endless self-control to 'not lose it!' when the wind picks up or the little critters scurries away, just as you press the shutter, to be never seen again. Which for me, happens frequently - ALL the time - well okay - almost on EVERY shot!
If only I could show you a visual - on the other hand - that could possibly cause uncontrollable laughter and may even cause serious damage for life.....
With all that in mind, the next time, you see one of my pics, think of the endless hours of 'love and hate' I have endured. But don't be fooled, sometimes miracles do happen and I might even 'win' in one click.
One thing is for certain, when you tap that 'love' or like' or 'wow' icon or take a moment to add a comment, these simple gestures take all the 'hate' away. Believe me, I really do 'my happy dance' inside.
I have a grin from 'ear-to-ear' like a Cheshire cat. It is that gratification from friends, family and fellow wildlife lovers that makes the challenge (and patience endurance) so worth while. Plus it makes me fall in love with my passion for macro photography all over again.
Until next blog, stay happy, stay safe and stay in touch, Rochelle
P.S. Want to see more? View Seachelles Photography or follow on Instagram, or contact me
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