Finally, on our last evening in Whistler, there were rays of light over the distant horizon as the sun started to dip. This was the view from our bedroom, and the only time the dSLR got used on the whole trip. Better late than never.
We can never take the weather for granted, you have to accept what nature gives you and make the best of it. I’m reminded of the quote, variously attributed although I think John Ruskin is one of the likeliest originators, that ‘there is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing’. Substitute ‘Photography’ for the word clothing and it rings true. When the weather’s foul, we have to cast aside our usual thinking and planning, and get ourselves out of our comfort zones and really think: where’s the picture now? What is Plan B? There always needs to be a Plan B.
In our ten days in Whistler I think I took more images in Whistler village than I did on the ski slopes. One or two of those coming up next week. Stay tuned.
There ALWAYS needs to be a Plan B, Andy…in life, in photography!
Absolutely, Sue.
Ha, ha, a plan B is a must. Lovely shot for plan B
Thanks Paula
This is truly a dramatic sky. Wonderful picture, Andy.
Thank you Shimon. Plenty of drama that evening.
It was a true test of character and patience to travel all that way, only to be beset by such dreary weather. I appreciate that you did what you could. Plan B is a good thing!
The weather is what it is sadly. If I ever go there again I will remember what the two locals told me as we rode uphill together on a chairlift – March and April are the best of the winter months for good weather.
If this is plan B, I can’t imagine what plan A would look like. Despite your disappointment, you certainly have provided a real treat for the eye and the spirit with this one, Andy.
Thanks Linda. Life is full of ‘if only(s)’. Plan A was how I remembered it from 2009, I knew what it could be like, because I had already seen it previously, and that always makes it more unfortunate when a good experience isn’t repeated. But, we just move on.
WHAT GLORIOUS LIGHT! I’m with Linda. If this was Plan B, Plan A must have been a photograph of heaven itself. Beautiful work, Andy!
Glad you liked it Heide, and thank you. The thing is that Plan B doesn’t mean that images are second-rate. I can think of instances in the past when Plan B actually turned out to be far better than the original plan for that day. The difficulty often with pursuing Plan B, is that one has to wipe the memory clear of the imagined Plan A, crawl back out of the ‘depression’ precipitated by the situation, and then start to explore visually for the alternatives. It’s not really that bad, but turning around a well-rehearsed plan isn’t easy.
You’ve said it so beautifully, Andy: Sometimes Plan B is actually better *if* we are able to let go of whatever expectations accompanied Plan A. It’s one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned from travel — and one I have to learn over and over again, it seems.