Sometimes clueless. Sometimes not.
Mysteries of the journey
Sometimes, like this evening, before retiring for the night I have a look at some of the photos that I’ve taken over the past few days. My intent with this review is to see if it sparks any topic that I might want to post about.
I came across this picture that I took last Friday. I had left work, not wanting to go to the apartment immediately, but thinking that I might want to head to the beach to relax a bit. On the way over the bridge, The Isle of Palms Connector, I got to the apex of the bridge and spotted a ship on the horizon, the larger of the two pictured here. It was quite a way out and looked rather dwarfed the the imposing clouds above it.
As I’ve been to this location many times, I knew where I could get a decent shot of it. For whatever reason, I just had to have a shot of it. Sometimes I don’t know why I click the shutter, but I just have to. And when that feeling hits, nothing but the click will do. 
After I arrived at the location and took the shot, I stood there with all sorts of questions going through my mind: What are they carrying? Are they heading out or returning home? Will the journey be smooth our rough? How many people are on that ship? I watched the ship until it disappeared from view, all of those questions still swirling about. I’m sure that I’m not the only one who experiences this, or, if I am, that’s cool too!
I guess that I’ll never know, but this photo is symbolic of so many things in life. There are lots of questions and very few answers. We don’t know if the seas will be calm or rough, yet we sail them anyway!
“We don’t know if the seas will be calm or rough, yet we sail them anyway!” … you’ve got a nice turn of phrase
Yes, feelings. Gut. The past 8 years I have carried my camera daily for just such moments. Something our eyes see, may need to be seen closer, or framed, converted to B&W. I feel the camera has become an extension of me. Incomplete without it.
I, too, have pondered about those I photograph. The philosopher within us, standing next to the photographer. They are becoming good friends.
@Monte: I like that: “The philosopher within us, standing next to the photographer. They are becoming good friends.”
I simply could not imagine one without the other. Before, the philosopher, although present, maintained quietness, perhaps just observing while the photographer took the pictures. Now, the philosopher has asserted itself and become a full-fledged team member with a voice.
What lovely and inspiring thoughts from all. I think it takes most of us time to trust that other voice when the one that blares in our head is loud and so authoritative while the other only whispers.
The smallness of the ship in the frame is, in itself, a major reason for the effectiveness. So many stories and all fascinating.