Freezing Photographer Gets Rewarded By A Moment Of Wonder
Let me share a personal experience to start Weekly Wonder.
A few years ago, I spent an afternoon in Versailles gardens after a particularly harsh winter covered the gardens in snow and ice.
It was eerie, as this place, usually so busy, was nearly empty.
Almost. See the photo of the Temple of Love, built for Marie Antoinette?
It was an appropriately romantic setting that was 'ruined' by a couple kissing, as I wanted to take pictures of Versailles without any visitors.
For a nanosecond, I considered screaming, 'Can you move? I want to take a picture.'
But I quickly erased that thought: who am I to expect the world to stop for my selfish needs?
My feet were in the snow, and I waited for over ten minutes. By then, I was about to turn into a statue, frozen solid.
Refusing to interrupt that couple's moment of wonder proved to be a blessing in disguise.
I had planned to leave before sunset. As I was late, night fell, and I ended up in darkness.
Desperate for warmth, I rushed toward the train station. I had taken enough photos, and the camera was in its bag.
But I turned around, saw the castle, and thought I should take a last picture.
Then, at the key moment, I walked behind the statue of Louis XIV.
The deep winter fog produced a white halo from one spotlight, contrasting with the dark statue in the night. I took a photo.
As a perfectionist, I am still unhappy with the result; it is not good enough.
So, I did return several times with a better camera and lens, but the magic was gone.
It was not the spotlight but the particularly harsh winter conditions that made it possible.
That was a lesson about what defines a Moment of Wonder: it is in front of you every day as long as you keep your eyes open.