My Sunday was spent photographing the first annual "Longboat key Challenge", a rowing event open to anyone who enjoys the sport of rowing. If you are not familiar with Florida, Longboat key is a barrier island south of Tampa Bay on the west coast. Rowing has become a big deal here. We have Benderson Park, a world class rowing faculty that is not yet complete but holding significant events. On the upper Manatee River we have a Ivy League / collegiate training facility, in fact many of the local high schools now have teams that train and compete at both facilities. Kayak, sculling, paddle board and this weird lay-down and paddle with your hands board. are all thriving. We have a lot of water! So this guy who happens to be my brother in law, Urs Wunderlie, a pro sculler and organizer of this open water race across the bay, ask me to be the event photographer. Beautiful day, crystal clear water and a an enthusiastic group of rowers all with intent of having some fun doing what they love. My job get some photos as document and promotion for the second annual race.
The bay runs north to south and the departure point, starting line is on the west side, putting the sun directly into my lens. This is terrific if you want silhouettes . Fortunately there was a dock near enough to the starting line to capture the exodus by pointing my lens south. So Monday, back at the office I discuss the event and problems incurred with Wayne Eastep, my intern photographer and now mentor. After listening to the process he uses to problem shoot a job, I realized that I had not done my preliminary work. I found out that often time when taking on a job Wayne will buy his own plane ticket to a distant land just to scout out location, make arrangements, watch the light and work test shots. Hell, I did not even have the foresight to drive the five miles to be at the race location the morning before. I did manage to get a few jam up picture's despite myself. I will now share the pearls of wisdom imparted to me from the master concerning preparedness. Better than wax on wax off....
"Luck smiles on the prepared"
Amateurs practice until they get it perfect, professionals practice until they cannot get it wrong"
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