Recently, I was reminded in the most striking way of what can happen when we wait. It’s a lesson I know well, yet I find myself needing a “refresher course” every now and then. This particular lesson came in the form of a magnificent old tree, standing proudly on a road near my home.
images by jeffery minnish
I passed by that tree countless times, each time thinking, What a great subject for a photograph. At first, an old house stood partially obstructing the view. But one day, that house was gone—moved away so quickly that it hardly registered. And suddenly, there it was: a gigantic, glorious tree, now standing in full view, its beauty undeniable. I promised myself I would photograph it.
Day after day, I drove past the tree. Some days the light was good, other days not. But every time, I found an excuse. I’m too tired today. I’ll shoot it tomorrow for sure. But, of course, that “tomorrow” never came.
Then, one day, I drove past and saw something I never expected: a crew of workers cutting the tree down. I was shocked and devastated. My daughter, who was with me in the car, was the first to notice. “They cut down that tree!” she exclaimed. I pulled over, wanting to ask the workers about what I saw as a terrible loss.
The crew was respectful and kind, explaining that the tree was rotting and, unfortunately, had become a safety hazard. They were just doing their job, after all. Although I understood their reasoning, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the tree wasn’t as damaged as they made it seem. The parts of the tree still left behind looked solid, and it had been full of green leaves just this past summer.
My daughter and I wandered around the area, imagining the stories that tree could tell. How many seasons had it seen? What had it witnessed over the years? And most importantly—what stories had I missed by not taking the time to capture its beauty when I had the chance?
This experience has been a painful but important reminder that moments are fleeting. Opportunities, like for a great photograph, don’t always stick around. If there’s something you want to capture, whether it’s a photograph, an experience, or a moment with someone, don’t wait. Tomorrow might never come, and the opportunity could be lost forever.
So, take the shot. Follow your passions. Tell the stories you want to tell. And don’t let hesitation rob you of the chance to capture life as it happens.
Remember: Shoot the damn picture.
