Absolutely Lucky
The photo above is my first intentional photo of the two men at Hoover Reservoir. The one I made before this one came from experience, a rule about immediately making an insurance photo and dumb luck.
I quickly parked my car on the Walnut Street Boat Ramp, grabbed the Nikon Z50, switched the lens to the 50-250mm kit lens, stepped to my left just enough to avoid trees and shrubs obstructing the foreground, and pulled the camera to my eye, immediately pressing the shutter to get my insurance photo.
The screen went dark. I didn’t see the photo I’d just made.
Then the screen brightened to reveal one of the men in full stride, having just released a rock, skipping it across the frozen surface. Disappointment swept over me. I’d missed the photo.
Because I could see it in the viewfinder, the shutter was closed. With the settings I’d chosen, if I could see the viewfinder image, the shutter would be closed—not open—making a photo.
I saw the man tossing the rock. The shutter was closed. No photo.
However, that insurance photo, the one I didn’t see because the shutter was open and the viewfinder was dark, became My Final Photo for Sunday.
It was underexposed, slightly blurred, and almost peak action, but it was much better than the following photos of the two walking back to their car.
This was a Schrödinger’s cat dilemma. That first photo? I either had a photo or I didn’t, and there was no way to know until I looked at the camera screen or waited until I got home and transferred photos to my computer for editing.
I try not to use the camera screen as a crutch, although sometimes it can be handy for certain aspects of a scene, such as shooting overhead or at ground level using the rotating screen.
This time, insurance paid the bill.
Editor’s Note: There are a number of variables in the mirrorless camera world that may be different from this experience. Even on my Z50, there was a setting where the screen would not go dark, and I would have seen every frame, removing Schrödinger’s cat from the equation.
I added other photos from Hoover at the bottom of the newsletter for paid subscribers. Any of these would have met the first rule for My Final Photo: Make a photo every day. I am not sure any would have met the “new, different, or better” rules.
The Blue Plate Special Kitchen
Marinated in a garlic herb dressing, this pan-fried pork steak is served with sides of steamed broccoli, cilantro lime rice, and fresh tomatoes dressed in Japanese mayonnaise, cracked pepper, and lemon zest.
This Blue Plate Special’s colors evoke nostalgia and homestyle comfort, reminiscent of a classic diner. The deep green of the broccoli signals freshness, while the vibrant red tomatoes with mayo drizzle add a playful, retro touch reminiscent of summer BBQs and picnic spreads. The seasoned rice and perfectly grilled pork steak create a warm, inviting feel, bringing home-cooked meals' rich, caramelized flavors to mind.
This Blue Plate Special offers a well-balanced meal packed with essential nutrients, beginning with the grilled pork steak, which provides a rich source of protein. Its seared surface locks in flavor with minimal added fat. The steamed broccoli is a powerhouse of vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. The cilantro-lime rice offers a satisfying carbohydrate base, supplying energy, while the seasoning keeps it flavorful without excessive sodium. Fresh sliced tomatoes add a dose of vitamin C and lycopene, an antioxidant linked to heart health, with a drizzle of mayo for zest.
Together, this meal balances protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, making it both nourishing and satisfying—proof that comfort food can also be a wholesome choice!
The Good Thing That Happened To Me Today
I am pleased to say I was sitting in my living room when the snow squalls began.
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My Final Photo News recommends its friends, Civic Capacity and Into the Morning by Krista Steele.