Anybody Can Be a Photographer
Anybody Can Be a Photographer
Photography has always been more than just taking photos; it’s about seeing the world in a way others might overlook. I was reminded of this lesson unexpectedly about fifteen years ago, during a simple moment that has stayed with me ever since.
It was a warm, cloudy afternoon in Baker, Florida. I could feel the storm coming before I even saw it; the air heavy, the sky darkening, a low rumble of thunder rolling through the distance. It felt like the perfect opportunity to capture stormy clouds, lightning, or maybe even a rainstorm. I grabbed my camera, stepped outside, climbed into my truck, and pulled out of the driveway. At the end of the drive, I turned left toward the storm. I didn’t have a clear plan, just a simple goal: chase the clouds and find the perfect shot.
As I drove, I scanned the horizon, looking for the darkest, most dramatic part of the sky. The storm was building to the north, so that’s where I headed. About seven miles up the road, I turned off the highway toward one of my favorite spots, the south side of Karick Lake. It had always been a peaceful place, but today, the storm made it feel alive. Stepping out of my truck, I spotted a large building cloud, its white and gray tones contrasting beautifully against the smoky sky. The lake itself was restless, the wind sending small waves across the surface. It was the perfect scene.
With my camera in one hand and my tripod in the other, I made my way toward the dock. I wasn’t sure where I’d get the best angle, so I wandered along the shoreline. Finally, I found it, a spot where I could frame the towering cloud with the dock in the foreground. I set up my tripod, composed the shot, and captured the moment. A light drizzle began to fall, but I didn’t mind. This was the kind of beauty I enjoyed.
As I finished up and made my way back to my truck, I noticed I wasn’t alone. A man and woman sat on a bench near the water’s edge, quietly watching the storm roll in. Just as I passed them, the man spoke, loud enough to make sure I heard.
“Anybody can be a photographer,” he said.
“I know,” the woman replied.
“All you need is a camera,” he added.
I kept walking, never breaking my stride. I wondered if he said it to get a reaction or to make me feel small. But instead of letting it bother me, I just smiled to myself because he was right.
Anybody can be a photographer. All it takes is the willingness to go out and truly see the world. It’s not about fancy cameras or expensive gear. It’s about noticing the way the clouds move, the way light dances on the water, the small, fleeting moments some people pass by without a second thought.
Photography is an outlet, a way to slow down and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us every day. For me, it’s a stress reliever, a reminder that the world is full of wonder, even in the middle of a storm.
As I climbed into my truck, my camera filled with new images, I thought about how blessed I was. This is why I do it. Because long after the storm passes, I’ll still have the memory, captured forever.
Yes, anybody can be a photographer.
And the world could use more of us.