It was only for a moment, but the glory would be his to savor for the rest of his life. John faced a critical moment of truth when his action could bring remarkable success or just another opportunity missed; heroic success or dismal defeat.
He was a man of remarkable precision, with processes and skills carefully honed for a moment, just such as this. He had faced this challenge many times before in his life and although he had moderate success he had never before achieved such recognition from his peers. A steadiness of hand was required in his profession and John was a master of the theory, having read all of the experts in the field.
A plan was in place of course, but such plans had been laid before with only mediocre results to show for his efforts. Results such as this, however, did not happen without some plan in place to provide a benchmark for success.
The equipment of John’s trade, though old, was of a standard to provide a means for success. Though not state of the art, for he could not afford such luxuries, his armory was adequate for the job at hand. An artisan, as people would later recall of him, who with the most meager of tools accomplished such mastery in his trade.
John did his best work in the early morning when his reflexes were still keen from a good nights sleep and the light and freshness of early morning had not been corrupted by the blistering heat of the midday sun. Late afternoon, of course, was also a viable option as the quality in the light was ‘pure gold’ as it hit the mirror to record the magic moment.
A freak shot of nature was his moment of bliss. As the light was just perfect, the subject flew in to the trap that was laid, a magnificent male Crimson Finch! Ever so chirpy with his plumage ablaze, he glided to the branch, which John had so painstakingly positioned in the frame for success. A ray or two of light filtered through the trees to highlight his back, a glistening brown against the flaming red cheeks and tail. It was the stroke of genius, as John’s finger lovingly squeezed the trigger on the release, to record that once in a lifetime opportunity.
The result of the exposure was perfection, and no amount of tweaking on the computer could improve the result. The lab produced a print, which astounded John and was the runaway winner of the Grand Prize at the photography convention. John was a one hit wonder having found that magic balance, when perfectly exposed light reflects off the mirror of the camera striking the film and imprinting the subject there on. Never again would he stand on the podium of success and achieve such results, for this was John’s moment in time!
Martin Derksema
Beautiful writing, Hugo. A very careful study of a moment in time. Great transparency in your language.
hugo
thank you Martin for your support and comment
Lance Leopold
Every one should have a “Johns Moment”,lovely story,Hugo!!
hugo
you’ve had quite a few Lance, your close up work is magic!!
Judy Gayle Waller
Hugo – don’t we all want to have a “John’s Moment” in time? what a fantastic story…You should write more…
Elaine van Dyk
Great story, well written, hugo. Obviously your dream too….....along with a whole tribe of other glassy-eyed, crazed trigger-squeezers! Here’s wishing you your ultimate “moment in time”.
Shanina Conway
Wonderful story hugo…more of these John moments please;)
frogster
Simply wonderful