When thinking about shooting landscapes, I'm usually looking up and out, searching for a grand vista that needs my attention. Driving down the ruddy red road in the last post, I kept looking for a pleasing composition. When I saw that view, I quickly pulled off the side of the road, where there was a very narrow space between the road and side brush. I got out of the car to better look at the composition, the light, the line of the road, etc., and when I finally decided it was worth taking a few shots, I reached back into the car to grab my camera, fumbled around to find my glasses so I could change the lens, blew my nose, etc. When I finally had it all together, I moved back a few feet and slammed the car door. Then I suddenly saw a tiny movement out of the corner of my eye, and about 3 feet away from my feet is this little guy who had been patiently staring at me despite the commotion I was making. I stared back and expected him to scamper away immediately, but he just kept on staring at me. Of course I had the wrong lens on my camera, so I quickly walked to the back of the car, opened the hatch where my camera bag was, and changed my lens again. I walked back around to where he was perched, fully expecting him to be gone. But there he was, waiting for me. He posed patiently while I took several shots, and when he figured I had what I needed, he finally ran away.
Reminder for me: don't be so wrapped up trying to find the big picture that you miss seeing the little picture up close and personal!
