Shutter Sisters

that kind of moment

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As I left the wedding that afternoon, I opted to wander to my car, rather than walk. It was quite a trek across the grounds of the ranch where the wedding feast had taken place but it was stunning and well worth the wander. Wide open spaces as far as the eye could see replaced what had been just an hour before; a hillside filled with family and friends honoring a marriage. This was a different kind of day at the ranch where the cows were usually the sole inhabitants.

Throughout the wedding day, I captured images of love and friendship and celebration. There were the signs of the festivities—food, drink, décor—and symbols of a union—the dress, the tux, the ring—all amidst the beauty that only Mother Nature could graciously provide. And she most certainly did on this unseasonably warm, sunny Northern Calfornia day.

As the sun sank behind the hills and the day was slowly turning to evening, guests made their way out, down the winding road back to the small town of cottages and inns. I spent a few last moments with the bride and groom, capturing the day’s last light.  A perfect way to wrap up the story of their wedding day.

With less than an hour left before the dusk turned to dark, I took my time to getting back. The light was soft and sweet. The breeze kicked up with the cooling air. The sounds of the sweeping landscape became a symphony of sublty. Birds chirping, heading home for the night. Cows from the pasture calling out for dinner. A chorus of Turkey’s raised their voices as I shuffled down the dirt path. And with all that, I could still hear the tall grasses and pine trees carrying the evening wind.

It took me about 30 minutes to find my car. Not because I was lost but because I chose to make those last few moments of the day last. Even despite a few unexpected events throughout my travels that weekend, it was the perfect end to a delightful trip.

As I began to pack up my equipment, I took one last look at the vast, pictureesque countryside of Bolinas. The ranch dog had the same idea. It was that kind of moment.

I have a feeling you know what I mean and that you’ve experienced that kind of moment. And I’ll bet you had your camera there to document it. Do share with us today a moment—big or small—you know you’ll never forget.

Comments

  6. That kind of moment, that I'll never forget? Oh yes: Visiting Whitby in England, when the mist had come in from the sea and we could hear the fog horns and the waves on the shore but barely see a hand in front of us. Completely magical, like we were suddenly in a completely different world.

  20. This summer I went to the Great Handcar Regatta only to find out that everyone dresses up in what are called steampunk style costumes. It is sort of a turn of the century goth thing, very interesting and eye catching. I was thrilled when a woman carrying a parasol paused nearby allowing the sun to illuminate it beautifully. And to think I almost didn't bring my camera!
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/lauraophoto/5121483743/

  21. I smiled when I saw this post because I had just posted something with the same title.

    I had a moment this week… I was lucky enough to be given a ticket for the Women's Conference and was staying at a friend's house in Huntington. I brought my camera on the off-chance that I was able to have any alone time (I still can't get manual exposure down.. I'm a visual learner and I really need someone to show me on my camera.. :/ ).

    My friend was going to be late in meeting me so I grabbed my camera and went to the pier. I sat and watched the sunset and the seagulls nearby. I blew the exposure on a number of them, but I liked this shot. ..SIGH.. I miss the OC!
    http://manuallyexposed.blogspot.com/2010/10/moments.html

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