The Window of Opportunity

  The window of opportunity is fleeting at best.  Whether we be hunting for a job promotion, a true love or merely the perfect lighting for photography.  That "window" closes fast and things can be lost forever if one does not act immediately.  My windows deal more with photography and the lighting can be tricky at times.  As of late, pop-up thunderstorms can change the sunlight needed when hiking about the Bayou.  When photographing wildlife, it is often best not to use a flash as it frightens the poor critter.  

  Yesterday afternoon, we had another torrential rainstorm complete with high winds and lots of lightning.  Afterward, however, there was that window of opportunity when the sun was setting behind the pines that left the Bayou bathed in a wonderful glow.  But, that glow was fading fast and a lone egret that was standing in the shallows would soon be shrouded in darkness.  My vantage point was pathetic as I was halfway up the hillside when I saw the bird.  There was no getting closer as the nearer the marsh I got, the lower I went until the brush and marsh grass obscured my view.  I had no choice but to photograph the bird from the hilltop.

  Of the several photos that I took of the egret, two pleased me.  The first has the bird framed by foliage of the yaupon trees and is washed in golden hues.  The other is after my window of opportunity passed and darkness started falling on the Bayou.  While most of the surroundings are darkened, the bird gleams in the last rays of sunshine.  

  While I may not be considered to be a professional photographer with great skills, it does not matter to me.  I am recording the Bayou as I see it.  Later on, my grandkids may wish to learn how their grandma spent her time in such a rustic place. There is so much I wish I could show them but their time spent on the Bayou is minimal. Hopefully, some of the photographs will explain a bit of why I love this place so much.