Today, our little group took a photo walk along the Augusta Riverwalk, which follows the Savannah River from the 5th Street Bridge to the 13th Street Bridge in Augusta, Georgia. Across the river is the city of North Augusta, South Carolina.
Shortly after we arrived, a small 3 or 4 foot alligator decided to venture from the Georgia shore line to a point almost ten feet from the center of the river. There, they rested on some floating vegetation, waiting on a fish or other small river creature to pass by. I didn’t have the proper lens to photograph the gator — I was using my 18 – 55 mm lens to capture the river — so I enjoyed watching instead.
The light was so beautiful and soft. Clouds reflected light yellows, pastel pinks, and pale peaches from the rising sun. A few walkers and joggers joined us on the riverwalk. All in all, it was a beautiful morning for a photography meander.
I had a wonderful time at my ladies photography group’s fall retreat a few years ago. Five days and four nights of photography and sharing with these fabulous women were amazing.
We had workshops, went on photo shoots, and learned tips and techniques from the experts who came to teach us and from each other. Instead of arguing, petty insults, and infighting that can be found in other groups of women, we found cooperation, sharing, and inspiration.
And women being women, we shared stories of love and loss, of joy and heartbreak, of lessons learned. One night, we played a game called “I Have A Secret.” Mine was boring. Other secrets were more intimate or daring. I can’t share them with you. Pinky swears still hold whether you’re eight or ninety-eight.
After the game, I thought of so many other secrets I could have disclosed to the group. Things that few people know about me, but that I wouldn’t be embarrassed to share. I could have told them that I learned to water ski when I was five but didn’t enjoy it until I was about eight. I didn’t slalom until I was ten. Or I could have told them that I love ice hockey. Or that I stopped taking photos for a while after a jealous relative told me I took horrible pictures. I didn’t pick up a camera for almost 15 years unless my father nagged me to.
I can tell you that those secrets gave me insight and respect for the women who shared them. Everyone was gently teased. No one left in a huff. For any group, this is amazing.
We found mutual experiences, shared likes and dislikes, and discovered unique things about each chick who joined us. Some members came for a day; others, like me and my roommate, were there for the entire retreat.
I didn’t know these women when I arrived last Sunday afternoon. I left on Thursday morning with a new found respect for my fellow photography club members and with new friends with whom I hope to have many new adventures, photographic and other.
And while I may use a snippet here or a snippet there in one of my stories, I promise my fellow Chicks that those snippets will be used with great respect and a lot of love. I don’t want any of them to cringe in fear, only chuckle with shared memories of bonds forged and adventures shared. Names and descriptions will be changed to protect their identity.
And if any of you ever get the chance to go to Hickory Knob State Park in McCormick County, SC, go. You’ll find a beautiful park with a golf course, walking trails, campgrounds with lake access, boat ramps, cabins, lodge rooms, a restaurant, gift shop, meeting rooms, and some of the friendliest folks in South Carolina. And you’ll find yourself on Lake Thurmond, formerly known as Clarks Hill Lake, the third largest man-made lake East of the Mississippi River.
Take your camera and your hiking boots with you when you go. Trust me. You’ll thank me later.
I took the photo of the sunbathers on the beach during my May 2019 trip to Myrtle Beach, SC. One of my favourite places to shoot is around, underneath, and on piers.
My husband and I were walking up the stairs to the gift shop, heading for the Myrtle Beach State Park pier. There was another photographer, a man, with a huge 600 mm lens and massive DSLR (digital single lens reflex) camera walking down the stairs. You know the kind of camera that you associate with a professional photographer? He had that camera. His lens was one of those that you’ll see in the limited access areas at major sporting events: big and white and long and heavy.
As we passed, I asked if he got some good shots. He looked at me with my small mirrorless camera, compact and lightweight, and sneered. Yes, he actually sneered. And then he smugly told me that he only took good shots and good luck taking anything with my little point and shoot, then he brushed by me on his way down the steps heading to his car.
After a few seconds of impostor syndrome and a small pity party for my horrible photography skills, I squared my shoulders, mentally straightened my crown, smiled at my husband, and reminded myself that people who have to belittle others instead of being kind are insecure themselves. And I’ve taken some great shots with a little point and shoot camera, as have many, many others.
I didn’t let the other photographer’s attitude affect me. Instead, I went out and took the photographs that I wanted to take, and I didn’t do too badly, in my humble opinion. Are my photos award winners? No, but I’m happy with them, and that’s what truly counts for me.
And to that other photographer, the little camera that you sneered at as a point and shoot isn’t. It’s a fully fledged mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses and can go from full auto mode (where the camera makes all of the decisions except where to point the lens and when to snap the picture) to full manual mode (where the photographer makes all of the decisions). And it’s lightweight and discreet. Good luck taking that huge camera of yours (BTW, I have one too and know how to use it!) into places where it’s not welcome, but my little camera is because it’s small. You’ll be stuck watching me take photos.
