Nothing cool outside today in central Maryland. Either the team below is opening a snowball stand or plans on a big party with lots of mixed drinks. Either way, they are prepared with close to 20 bags of ice.

I limited my outdoor chores and time outside this afternoon but I hope to get out this evening and do a little shooting.

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I was reading a blog by photographer Leanne Cole I follow and she wrote an interesting piece on “My bad habits when it comes to photography.” There were a couple on that list that hit home with me. Being lazy and not stopping to take a photo were two that are certainly in my wheelhouse and caused me some honest reflection.

I kicked myself in the behind for not stopping and shooting something good I see so many times that I’m finally starting to break myself of this horrible habit. The I’ll get it later attitude doesn’t get it done and it took me a long time to realize that.

Photography for me has been a catch-as-catch-can proposition for many decades, not being my primary or even secondary job. Rarely am I out just shooting. It’s in between errands, out on excursions with the family, or on my way from A to B.

Recently I was reminded of this fact about taking the opportunity when it presents itself because time will move on and change things. I had gone back to photograph this old home I had only gotten a shot or two of before but the light wasn’t that good. I went by last week and it’s been torn down.

Sometimes doing it right is a tall order. Shooting more is the easy part. Learning the craft, relearning editing tools, knowing spots and angles and light. Learning to capture people as well as places.

If I’m honest with myself I’m lazy with the free time I do have. I’ve been making some strides but I know I can do a lot better. That will change when I retire but I’ve been slowly making shooting more of a priority each day.

I could make a long list of the many deficiencies I have. But those two things on her list I need to fix first for myself.

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Random Thoughts of the Day

• The difference between dogs and cats is if you give a dog a ton of love, you get a ton of love in return immediately. When you give a cat a lot of love you get some love at their time of choosing.
• There is a great deal to be said for a great deal.
• A child’s smile can touch your heart. That’s why I take so many pictures of my grandchildren.
• I was practicing patience today.