The One That Got Away?

Looking through files from years ago for the weekly competitions has made me remember photos that I nearly got but didn't. In most cases it was due do error, incompetence or just being too slow. Some cases, however, were due to not having the right equipment. My most memorable example of the latter was when setting up the K20D (my only DSLR at the time) with 16-45mm lens (it came with the camera) on a tripod half way up a hillside to take a stunning landscape at dusk. Then I noticed a short eared owl flying towards me at my level, head down and hunting. It hadn't seen me. So get the camera off the tripod and a quick change of lens to the 55-300mm. But the owl was quicker, it saw me and all I got was a shot of its rear as it flew away. That was annoying. It was also expensive as it was one reason why I decided to spend hard earned cash on a second body (K3) to be able to have two cameras with me, one with long lens attached, one with shorter lens, 'just in case'.

Do any of you have memories of photos that got away? And were they as expensive as mine??

Steve

Similar to you Steve - I was at a local nature reserve a couple of years ago (having recently purchased the DFA 150-450) when a huge bird of prey came swooping down the course of the stream we were walking along - I'd literally just change from the superzoom to the DFA 21mm to capture the sweeping meadow to the side of me. I had enough composure to realise I was not going to change lenses in time so just enjoyed the fleeting moment - it turns out that I don't see it as a regret, just a moment savoured.

Not quite, but there have been occasions when I have seen something and thought, 'there's a good picture there.'

Only to realise, after a bit of thought, that to get the right angle and light, I would have to be several feet in the air. In the middle of the road. During rush hour.

I often saw potential beautiful pictures as I motorcycled to work in the morning with no time to stop...

I see potential opportunities when driving along a motorway / major A road , and there's nowhere to stop, well legally and safely anyway !!

I've one currently on the A30 eastbound, a tree at the top of a hill which looks fab against either a blue sky or a stormy one and there's nowhere to stop on the A30 and it cant be got at on a minor road as its surrounded by fields, spent ages on google earth trying

Yes, so many times whilst driving in our car, with my wife sat next to me, we have been traveling along and suddendly come across a beautiful scene or passing by a piece of architecture and there is no where to pull in or stop, my camera gear is in the boot and I am driving. My wife proceeds to get out her iphone and snaps away lol!