I found an unlocked gate leading to the foliage & ice plant alongside a bridge leading to the HOV lanes' entrance. I stepped down a steep dirt grade to stand in the cement drainage gully next to the side of the bridge. I was in a hurry; I had to get back to work in under 10 minutes. All I was thinking about was the shot: ISO? 100 Long Shutter- (3.5secs). I'd tried longer shutter times but without a tripod (just resting it against my chest) they were too blurry. After the shot, I looked down.
Really, the only thing holding me up was my pressing my back against the bridge. I was on a 45 degree footing. 20 feet to my right was nothing but a 15 foot drop onto the freeway.
That's when I thought, "Huh. If I slip I am dead meat."
Carefully made my way back up grade.
Interstate 15 South & George Cooke Express Drive
Rancho Bernardo
San Diego, CA
Wonderful shot and another suspenseful story--glad you survived. All that happened to me today was getting cold wet knew from kneeling in the snow to take pictures.
@cejaanderson@tristansmum If you saw me taking the shot you'd have thought me foolish.
I really did not think about my safety, only the shot. Not a smart thing.
@jrambo001 Bad things can happen in more ordinary circumstances too. Two days after Christmas in 2013, I didn't notice a patch of ice on the sidewalk because a )the sidewalk had been ice free to that point, and b) I was looking about me for photography subjects. As a result, I fell and broke my ankle in two places and needed surgery. I have to remind myself now that while it may be worthwhile taking a calculated risk to get a photograph, I also want to live and remain mobile in order to photograph another day. Take care of yourself!
I really did not think about my safety, only the shot. Not a smart thing.