Steve Bruno Photo

My photography teacher said repeatedly, “If you see something that sparks your interest, take the photos now.  It may not be there or look the same when you come back!”  He lived in the desert in Carefree, Arizona, and I knew he was referring to Pinnacle Peak (above) on more than one occasion.  At the time, developers were rearranging the map at an unprecedented pace on the perimeter of the metropolitan Phoenix area.  The location of this photograph is either someone’s backyard or a golf course now.

It’s not just development that alters our world.  Glacier covered lands don’t look the same as they did a decade ago.  Weather can wreak havoc in a matter of minutes.  Unforeseen disasters can happen at any moment.  In today’s digital era, my teacher’s words don’t seem as relevant as they once were.  You will never again hear someone say, “Hmmm, I don’t want to take that one.  I’ve only got 8 shots left on this roll of film, and I don’t want to waste them.”   Perhaps his message should be updated to “Keep an extra memory card in your bag at all times for those moments when you come across something special” 🙂