Tonight I drove to a small park to get some pics of Rainer. There were a couple of other photographers doing their thing - they were obviously professionals. The looked to see what I had and I happened to mention to one man I was experiencing some serious lens envy. He asked if I was using a Canon or Nikon. When I told him he waved me over and in a second had switched out our lenses and put one of his massive and amazing lenses on my little Canon. He didn't have a tripod with him and told me to rest my elbows on the car - darn thing was heavy. I got to try three of his lenses. Most importantly he gave freely of his time and knowledge, and gave me some tips on where to go to take some nice Rainier shots around town. His name is Jim Bryant - he is a pretty well known sports photographer in these parts, and what a nice man. Totally made my day! I got a few decent shots of the mountain, too.
I love the contrast between the dome and the jagged rock! That is so neat that a stranger let you try the fancy lenses and shared his knowledge with you.
What a wonderful image and an even more wonderful story behind it. Really restores your faith in human nature when you meet such generous people.
So when are you getting that lens? ;)
@maggiemae - @anwan - As it turned out I had met him before under different circumstances when he took a photo of me for a newspaper article series our local paper did (he contracts with local newspapers). @pflaume@steviepix - thanks and yes - I feel lucky - and haha - I think that lens is probably four times what my camera cost. LOL - not to mention I would have trouble lugging it around. @valpak - thanks Val. @vitamink@denisedaly@carolb - thanks so much - I am still psyched!
Oh wow!! That sounds fantastic!! Lucky you ;-) I constantly have lens envy, camera envy and a very strange 365 syndrome!!
This is a beautiful photo Jan, the mountains look breathtaking!
Jan, what a beautiful shot. Isn't it amazing what a difference a lens makes? I am seriously going to order another for my camera. I was going to do that last week but couldn't decide on what would be the best on to get. Some of those are more expensive than the camera!!!
@sansjuan PS: What a wonderful thing the photographer did - to take that time to let you experiment and to show you some new tricks. I am so glad you got that opportunity.
@andrina - I went to a camera shop today and looked at lenses - but the sales person was a bit arrogant and I don't do well with that. Contrast to my experience last night. @cazann - thanks Caz - it really was nice of him - he didn't have to do anything except wave back. Today when I was out taking pics several other photographers waved. Like-minded hobbyist camaraderie, I suppose. @sansjuan - Nita - it does make a difference. The lens I want is a tad expensive so probably will wait a bit. Thanks - I am glad to have had the opportunity too - was very fun.
@swilde - Thanks Sue - yes - time is precious and it was very kind and appreciated.
I like how you phrased it: "like-minded hobbyist camaraderie." I so enjoy when moments like that take place. He certainly seems like quite the generous photographer to offer up his experience and gear so freely. I can't imagine how much fun you must have had! Your caption made me chuckle, I bet that thing was heavy! You got a great shot of Mt. Rainier with it too. The detail is definitely something.
So when are you getting that lens? ;)
Oh, also: great shot! :o)
@pflaume @steviepix - thanks and yes - I feel lucky - and haha - I think that lens is probably four times what my camera cost. LOL - not to mention I would have trouble lugging it around.
@valpak - thanks Val. @vitamink @denisedaly @carolb - thanks so much - I am still psyched!
This is a beautiful photo Jan, the mountains look breathtaking!
@cazann - thanks Caz - it really was nice of him - he didn't have to do anything except wave back. Today when I was out taking pics several other photographers waved. Like-minded hobbyist camaraderie, I suppose.
@sansjuan - Nita - it does make a difference. The lens I want is a tad expensive so probably will wait a bit. Thanks - I am glad to have had the opportunity too - was very fun.
@swilde - Thanks Sue - yes - time is precious and it was very kind and appreciated.