A Long Weekend

What a weekend. Sometimes I can’t imagine what other folks do with Saturdays and Sundays—watch television, sleep in, or play with their cat. I can't remember the last time I went out on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon to play golf. And at times like this afternoon, I envy them the moments of rest or solitude.

This past week, I picked up an unexpected wedding to photograph. That was a pleasant surprise, but nerve wracking considering I didn’t meet the bride until Friday night at the rehearsal. So after consulting with the bride and watching the rehearsal Friday, I spent most of the evening packing up my gear. Saturday , I spent six hours shooting the wedding, rushed to the wedding of a friend’s daughter, and then played with the band for the wedding reception. Thirteen hours in dress shoes. Four hours in a tux. Three hours playing trombone. And six hours with two Nikons hanging around my neck. By ten o'clock Saturday night, I could barely walk.

Sunday brought no rest. I spent the morning playing keyboard at church and then rushed off to a luncheon. Then I spent two more hours on stage with the Grapevine. But I did get some time to play with a fisheye lens and get some shots of the band for the Website. Oh, and did I mention that it rained?

So why do I do it? Why do I spend so much time chasing hobbies—probably because they are passions. They bring an outlet for creativity. And maybe because they take me to a place I can’t otherwise find in the reality of everyday life. Sometime soon I need some downtime, a chance to shut down and contemplate a few of those realities. But for now, it’s time to hit Photoshop.