Perspectives on a missed opportunity
There is an old joke: optimists think that the glass is half full; pessimists say it is half empty; [software] engineers think the glass is the wrong size for the job in hand. The glass half empty/full idea is widely quoted to encapsulate people’s attitudes and I wonder who first coined it – if you know, please email or comment. Personally, I have doubts about the concept. For example, if I have a pint of beer and drink half of it, I feel a little mellow and look forward to drinking the rest and the having the opportunity to order [or, better, have someone else order] the next one. not pessimistic at all.
It is, however, interesting to consider how attitude and perspective affect various aspects of life …
My main hobby is photography. I shy away from the word “passion”, but the activity certainly has a much greater emotional content than anything that I do in my professional life. My interest is taking and looking at pictures. That would not be true for all photographers. For some, the fun is to be had in making pictures – setting up a scene or even constructing the picture on the computer. For others, it is all about having the latest gear – newest camera, longest lens etc. I sometimes wonder if these guys ever take any actual pictures.
Weather is an issue. Some people would never get out their camera unless there is a blue sky and sunshine. For me, even if that kind of weather makes me cheerful, I do not prefer it for photography – there is took much contrast and people squint in the sunlight. Mist or frost offers many more possibilities. Even rain has its attractions – though water and electronics are not a good mix. My late wife was very keen on photographing butterflies. She would prefer a reasonably bright, but not too warm day. Insects become steadily more energetic as the temperature rises, so they do not stick around to be photographed.
I have often heard photographers moaning that, even though the English countryside is beautiful, they can never find a place to stop and take a picture. Apart from suggesting that they get a bicycle, I have another view, which I developed when I used to drive to the office every morning and see spectacular sunrises. I believe that an experienced photographer has learned to look and see better than most non-photographers. They will see a picture in a place where many others just walk by. Because of this improved visual perception, we have the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful view [or sunrise, or whatever] that much more. I would rather celebrate that enjoyment, than mourn the missed photographic opportunity.
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Wonderful blog, Colin!
It’s amazing what having a change of perspective can do for us in our hobbies, our works, our personal lives, and lives in general.
Once I accepted that life is finite, but that I can (usually) find something positive in almost all situations, it greatly enhanced my quality of life.
I can tell you that having traveling overseas can do wonders for one’s perspective and appreciation for what one has, as well.
Good comments Marty. Couldn’t agree more.
Please excuse my grammar errors. Sorry.