I went for sunset and all I got was a cow.
Photography is the ultimate tease. Who else gives their mates a heads-up that “tonight’s sunset could be a burner!” You’ve checked the forecast, spotted a cloud band that promises drama. You’re all set to catch the sun doing something awesome.
I headed out to a spot I’d previously scouted. Camera gear? Check. Excitement? Check. Photopills? Check.
I set up and get a time-lapse rolling, while I was waiting I can hear the cows mooing in the distance, cockatoos squawking overhead and the crows (sorry again crow) adding their grumpy commentary.
The sky starts hinting at something special, a soft magenta sneaking into the lower clouds.
Then the sky starts to warm up, a little bit of that golden glow that photographers live for. I’m sure it’ll burst into that heart-stopping crimson red.
But guess what? Out of nowhere, clouds from the opposite direction roll in, pouring rain right on my parade. I pack up, head to the car, and think, Alright, plan B.
Back in the car and I’m off to the next location. A quick detour to those spooky dead trees by the highway should work.
Easy shot? Maybe, but sometimes you just need to improvise.
As I was driving, the sky starts burning up in front of me, putting on the show I’d been waiting for.
The kicker? If I’d just popped over to the beach a kilometer from home, I’d have nailed that “banger” of a sunset.
Photography, it’s like nature’s little game of “let’s see if you’ll wait just a bit longer.”
Sure, I missed the shot that night. But honestly? The evening wasn’t a loss. I got a front-row seat to a beautiful sky, a peaceful drive back, and that warm, full-cup feeling that only comes from an evening out doing what I love.
There was another lesson: that gravel track wasn’t made for my trusty Mazda CX-3, which made that painfully clear as it slid backwards down the gravel track one visit. That’s when I realized I needed a car ready for my photography treks. Enter the Rubi the Subi, my new partner in scenic crime.
So, while that perfect sunset slipped away, it’s clear that sunset season is back. And you know what?
I’m here for it, gear ready and heart full.
When it comes to chasing light, it’s not just about the shot. It’s about the thrill of the experience, the unpredictable beauty of nature, and the stories that come along the way.
Plan B failed too, all I got was this palm tree.