I like to take pictures. Anyone who has seen more than one of my posts can’t help but see that. Nowadays, with smartphones. everyone does. When I finally joined the smartphone generation, I took even more. ..
Now I love the smartphone for quick shots, or (sigh) yes selfies (at least when Michelle is in them at least they are cute)
They also come in handy for things that catch your eye as you pass quickly
But, I am still old school enough to use a camera. Mine is a Canon SX160IS
Editor’s Note: Actually it is Michelle’s but she lets me use it, A LOT.
It is a 16 megapixel SLR, 16x optical and 64x digital zoom. ( Insert Tim Allen grunts here!) Now I am no expert, nor do I want to be, but it takes pictures well enough to make people think I know what I am doing.
The downside is that to use it, it is just one more thing to carry. Sometimes, even though I know better, I frequently leave it at home. Invariably, that is the time I wished I had it! And even though I have said this time and time again, I now PLAN to carry it on future rides much more often.
The key, though, and sometimes this is hard for me, is to take the time to take the pictures. Sometimes its just too damn easy to get focused on the speed of the ride, or the destination. It is perfectly ok to stop for a minute or two, and snap the shot! I am trying to do this more.
So, even though these have been shared before. I thought I’d share a few of my recent
favorites taken from the back of the bike. Hope you enjoy!
Ospreys on cell tower along the Interurban Trail
Sunrise from the Interurban Trail in Lynnwood
Sunrise from the Interurban Trail in Lynnwood
Aurora Bridge from the Burke Gilman Trail
Blue Heron in the Samamish River, Burke Gilman trail
Mt Rainier and Tipsoo lake, Hwy 410
Immature bald eagle on the Burke Gilman Trail
The Troll, Fremont
Giant COUG helmet on Lake Union, I-90 bridge
Bog, somewhere in Snohomish County, McClinchy Mile ride
Old growth tree, Mt Rainier, climbing to Cayuse Pass
Old growth tree, Mt Rainier, climbing to Cayuse Pass
So bottom line, no matter where or how you travel. Take the few minutes it takes to capture the moment. Maybe it will be just for you, or you will share with Facebook/Inatagram/Twitter. I will be willing to bet you will regret NOT doing so, much more than if you did! (Unless the snapshot is one of those selfies that are better left unposted!)
Great photos, friend! (Especially that last one!) 😉
When I’m riding my bike and I see something potentially photo-worthy, I usually convince myself, “Nah, that’s not worthy enough of a photo.” But then I think, “Yes, it is!” The debate in my head usually continues until a 1/2 mile later, when I find myself circling back to take the photo. I’m always glad I captured the moment on film, but I’m surprised that I haven’t yet learned to stop — right away — to snap the photo.
Exactly! I am trying to get better at it! There is one spot, just outside of Pacific City on the Oregon coast I still kick myself about. twice now I have passed the coolest river rock formation ever, but its near the end of the Century ride, I am tired, there is dinner waiting, is it really worth the stop… blah blah blah!
Maybe that will be a goal for next year, ALWAYS stop!
Glad its not just me!
I use an older Panasonic FZ180, which is worth very little know. It’s light & I ride with it slung over my shoulder and if it gets wrecked it’s no big deal. As it’s got an 18x zoom it’s good enough for most things & I’m daft enough to take stills & vids on the move at times, adds interest and is good fun in the right circumstances.
I had one I carried for years, a small point and shoot with a great zoom. Held together with duct tape and prayer till one day I dropped it and it shattered…