A Good Idea at the Time
By Charles P. Eberson
Senior Moments
Those of us who are avid photographers, must occasionally delete some of the thousands of photographs that quickly accumulate on our hard drives. Sometimes I come across photos that make me question not only why I took it but also why I kept it? In my most recent edit of old photos, I came across a couple which fell into the category of “It seemed like a good idea at the time” …allow me to explain. I was offered a photo assignment at the local newspaper to shoot a cover for the upcoming Fishing & Boating section. I said, “No problem, I gotta guy.” I knew someone in my neighborhood who had a fast Scarab speedboat with two big Yamaha engines on the back and it has been my experience in life that there are two types of people who rarely turn you down for a ride, pilots, and boaters. So, it was no surprise that after explaining the general photo concept to my boater friend we were heading out the Longport inlet just before sunset to take some photos. My concept soon morphed into “how about I lie down on the bow and photograph you during some high-speed turns?” Again, who would deny this? He proceeded to open those twin Yamahas and crank the boat into a hard turn testing my bracing abilities against the railing while trying to take photos. This was before digital, so I had no idea how the project was going. Then I spotted it. A buoy further out to sea from the Longport shoreline. My idea was to have the boater drop me off onto the buoy as he made some passes between me and the setting sun. Here, his enthusiasm lagged and he advised me that the Coast Guard would take a dim view of my idea. Nevertheless, we headed towards the buoy. This was the first time I had seen a buoy this close. It was larger than I anticipated. We nudged the bow up against the buoy and I hopped on with my camera securely strapped on. Even in the calm seas, the buoy swayed in the swells and I had to thread one leg and one arm around the supports. My boater made a few passes with the sun setting in the background. When I was sure I had a decent shot, I waved him to come by and pick me up. As the boat came closer, it picked up speed, made a sharp turn away and my friend gave me a hearty wave goodbye. I did not know this boater well enough to see how far he was going to take this little stunt but the sun was sinking below the horizon and I was starting to wonder, how long I was going to be out there or if I would be found after dark. As my anxiety built, I heard the roar of engines and saw the Scarab rapidly approaching my buoy. The bow nudged up and clutching my camera, I gratefully stepped back onto the boat only to see the captain grinning broadly at my expense. The photos came out well, so the escapade was a success but what seemed like a good idea at the time, appeared to be a lapse of good judgment, certainly not my first. I wonder what other experiences I will be reminded of as I continue reviewing my old photos.
Charles Eberson has been in the newspaper business for over 25 years. He has worked as a writer, advertising executive, circulation manager and photographer. His photography can be viewed at charles-eberson.fineartamerica.com
