Recently I went to a weekend seminar at the Crowell Public Library in San Marino and the seminar leader didn't show up. I had scheduled time on a Saturday, driven all the way down (my god, it must be five whole miles!) and even brought along pen and paper. Guess I should have called first.In such situations there's always a choice: get angry about my time being wasted or look for the hidden opportunity.
Either choice can make sense depending on the circumstances and I'd be lying if I said I'd never chosen the former. But this situation was loaded with possibilities: a library, pen and paper for starters. And I always have at least one camera with me.
I ended up going for the hidden opportunity. The Crowell Library has its share of photo ops but since it was Saturday I chose to skulk around nearby Henry Huntington Middle School. Something about an empty school takes me back to my own school years. I wandered and dreamed. It was time well spent.
20 comments:
And I always have at least one camera with me!
I hear you. Eye know how you professionals always come prepared. And me: I always have no more than one camera with me.
I try and look for those hidden opportunities too, Petrea ~ though sometimes they neatly elude me.
Petrea the Wanderer and Dreamer.
Your photo transports me. I can almost hear the slam of locker doors in 1960s Senn H.S., Chicago.
Good thing you weren't a Minor. :o)
Cafe, the iPhone makes that statement possible. I still have my Olympus almost always, because it fits in the purse (this shot was done with the Olympus). When I plan ahead to shoot, Canon makes three.
Me too, Shell! Sometimes I just get mad.
Wanderer and Dreamer On Days When I Have Time, Dina. So you went to Senn? Did you ever hear of DeKalb High School back in those days?
That's what I was thinking, Bellis!
Oh, I love walking around empty schools too. Feels like I never left.
Never scoped out the San Marino Library. Is it nice? I'm a big fan of the Pas Lib, what with the coffee and everything.
That response sounds a little too evolved for my tastes. Angry works better for me, and it absolves me of all blame.
Until I come to my senses
I like our old building with all it's character, but the Crowell library's nice--new. Lots of light coming in from the front windows and an outdoor seating area. And the San Marinianians use it. It was busy.
Des, did I say I never get angry? No, that would make me perfect. Way too much to live up to.
A golden opportunity. Oh my dear, the light made this a winner!!! And I wish for a camera i can slip into a purse. Mine is big and heavy and takes up my whole backpack bag now.
V
Oh my goodness, I'm right back at Trident Junior High in Anaheim with this "lockers in the breezeway" shot. I can hear the sound of the lockers opening and closing. . .bam! Thanks for the trip down memory lane! Very fun. Hope you enjoyed the rest of your day.
-Kim
Seeing everyone's comments about cameras, I usually have the iPhone wherever, but often one or two Canon bodies if I know I'm going photowalking, or just one on the off chance I might see a shot while I'm out on errands. I carry one cam in my hand and the other is slipped in my purse (I should take a photo of the purse, cute and very versatile, complements my rain coat. Sometimes I take just one body and two lenses, and my rain coat pocket is large enough to accommodate most lens sizes except the long one. I hate camera bags and can't use a neck strap, so this works for me and I can shoot under the radar pretty much anywhere.
I've got the heavy one, V--well, heavy-. But it's a plan-ahead sort of deal.
Kim, I can use a neck strap but I don't like it. I'm saving for a good harness. We don't wear a lot of coats around here so the lens-in-pocket thing isn't practical. Not that I have a collection of lenses. Yet. I really do want to shoot under the radar, though. Send me a picture of that purse!
You shot a picture of my old locker...it sure didn't use to look that good
;-)
Really, Laurie? Which one's yours?
Second one in from the sign, top row. Sixth grade.
Also, my contractor (did my bathroom addition) is being showcased by Fotoboy with a link to your site, so it's all your fault, see?
http://lafotoboy.blogspot.com/2009/12/commiting-to-do-your-best.html
I just love that I got a picture of your locker.
I'm also bursting with pride that Fotoboy linked to me. And I think I've found my contractor.
Way to turn the situation around. I tend towards grumpy way too often in those situations.
"The best camera is the one you have with you." A quote re energized by Chase Jarvis.
Hey, I went to "Huntington Jr. High," as it was called back in the 70s. I know that hall and I really know those lockers; I had to scrape paint off them to work off all my demerits so I could graduate...
I still get grumpy, Amy, but the camera helps.
I love that story, JT! And the quote.
Hey, JT, no wonder the lockers look a lot better than I remembered!
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