I am beginning to think that the digital camera may not be the best invention for the indecisive. On my recent trip from China to Seattle by way of Japan, Russia, Alaska and Canada I took some 3,400 pictures. But the picture in my mind that I regret not capturing is the one of the Russian immigration officers. I did not have camera in hand when the elevator doors on our ship opened and some fifteen ladies in combat fatigues, Ushanka hats and bright smiles pointed skywards and repeated 'ate-che, ate-che.' Caught totally off guard and with my hands full I could only point to the ceiling. The doors closed just as my brain was registering to hand my stuff to my friend and raise the camera. All happened in a swift moment as time slowed down just enough for me to realize that I had been caught totally off guard.
The women were looking for the ship buffet. .. on Deck Eight (ate-che). My need to be helpful superseded my need to record every single moment of my adventure. This would have been the best picture of the trip. It would have let me tell the viewer the story of the long waits to get off the boat to tour Vladivostock or the endless line to re-board in the Petropavlovskian snow. Of the incredible delight these Russian soldiers were experiencing being on our luxury liner. Their eyes wide with wonder how they went on to the bufet and cautiously took small servings of a few essentials. After a few moments one was overheard telling the others that yes, they could go back and get more - as many times as they wanted. And they did!
The digital camera is to blame for me missing this picture which is still so vivid in my head. When I used to carry a somewhat cumbersome film camera I was always conscious of having it. I always knew exactly where it was and how many shots I had left. I composed the picture in my head, moved people and tree branches around, and made sure that it was exactly the most telling scene. I did not want to waste film or the money to develop the final product. Now my lightweight, GPS smart camera is ALWAYS with me; usually in a pocket for easy access. This time, this one time, the handy carrying strap was around my wrist over which also hung my jacket, a bag of souvenirs, and a rather damp and dangly umbrella! My other hand had a cup of hot tea and two cookies! I totally forgot where the camera was. I actually thought a little too late, to put down the cup and reach in my pocket for the Casio but when it wasn't there, the fleeting moment was gone. My always helpful self had told them "8, up, 8" as my hand both searched for the camera and pointed skyward!
Now I know what needs to be invented next. A digital, GPS, camera that is fastened to your head like a singers microphone and operates by mind thought processes. I'll buy it for sure.
No comments:
Post a Comment