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Serendipity Discussion:
Lucky Shots
Watch this Discussion (What's This)
June 06, 2009 at 8:04:01 PM #1
Discussions: 21
Joined: 10/21/2008
Location: Agawam
To me, "serendipity" photos are the lucky shots, being in the right place at the right time.  Like my lucky shot of a bird just taking off...well I guess it wasn't all luck.  Although I love all the floral shots, I'm not sure how they qualify for this category.  What say you, Al. Am I just be crochety or do I have a point?

Steve (shelshots)
June 08, 2009 at 6:47:06 PM #2
Discussions: 202
Joined: 11/22/2008
Location: Long Island
Posted in reply to shelshots's post

Hey - I resemble that comment! :D 

I added a floral here - because of how the sunlight was just perfectly angled through the petals of the one white tulip I had...My son was leaving for an appointment, and as I was waving to him, I noticed the sun shining right on that tulip - I had to run in and get my camera and take a few shots...a few minutes later, the sun had already moved - so, Serendipity or not?  I'm not really sure...

Now that I look at it, a few of my photos have to do with the sun shining exactly a certain way at that moment...not that it wouldn't happen again, but sometimes there is such Magic in the angles and sky-colors that we are shown at certain moments.   The snow-heart was just TOTALLY Serendipity for sure!

Bright Blessings,
Roxy R.
September 11, 2009 at 10:17:55 AM #3
Discussions: 32
Joined: 2/29/2008
Location: Baltimore
Posted in reply to OpheliasKiss's post
Lucky?...Every shot we take is a "Lucky" shot! We are not just lucky to be standing where we are when that moment arises but we are lucky just to be standing at all. Some are not so fortunate. As I see it life changes with every passing breath and beat of your heart so if you think about it, why wouldn't any moment captured in time be lucky. Sometimes we forget that just opening our eyes in the morning is a gift and is in no way to be taken for granted. Why wouldn't a flower catured in its glory be a lucky shot? I have taken dozens, if not hundreds, of photographs of flowers and I can assure you that there are not 2 alike....even if they were shot just minutes apart. To me serendipity equals life and life equals serendipty and every moment we live we are surrounded by serendipity. So is it safe to say that serendipity is in the eyes of the beholders and is not for any one man to judge?    Just some food for thought!
September 12, 2009 at 9:39:26 AM #4
Discussions: 23
Joined: 12/8/2008
Location: Lafayette, Louisiana USA
Quite an interesting discussion here. Steve, sorry for letting your post go unanswered for so long. Guess I missed it while "out of touch" last summer with my ailing father. Roxy and Rob, you have great comments too.

Yes, I definitely feel that certain floral shots... actually any type of shot... can qualify for Serendipity. Perhaps that decision is really in the "eye of the beholder", as only the photographer knows how the photo truly came into being.

I have always felt that Serendipity can apply to any photographic subject if certain conditions are met. Serendipitous photos are differentiated from purposeful, planned, staged and composed shots in that opportunities for serendipitous photos appear unexpectedly and momentarily by chance or Lady Serendipity's whim. Recognition of such fleeting opportunities generally occur only when one is alert and focused on surroundings and the ever changing flow of nature and life. As one moves through the day with camera in hand, all senses must be tuned to "seeing" that fleeting and teasing moment when Serendipity briefly shows herself. Now isn't that a great way to take often spectacular photos? Much better than contrived situations in my opinion. So get out with your camera, go for a walk or sit quietly, and keep your eyes open wide! If interested, more thoughts on the subject are presented on my blog post Serendipity is a Lady.

Worth remembering, "Serendipity...the faculty of making happy, unexpected discoveries by accident."....Horace Walpole, 1754 (perhaps that 'lucky shot" wasn't really luck at all!)

Happy Hunting,
Al
September 12, 2009 at 11:09:23 AM #5
Discussions: 32
Joined: 2/29/2008
Location: Baltimore
Posted in reply to bayouoaksstudio's post
I love this discussion.....I guess where we got confused is the word "lucky". I certainly understand the concept of serendipity and I have those photos that I feel are at those "ahhhh" moments. You certainly don't need to be lucky to have a photo that reflects the concept. By all means we need to place ourselves in an area where the shot will take place and so often that is preplanned. I will often walk to the edge of the Susquehanna River or the Chesapeake Bay at sunrise or sunset set up my tripod and just wait and wait and suddenly "BANG" there it is right in front of me, serendipity at its finest. The perfect colors the stillness of the water, mixed in with some well positioned clouds....perfect! I was in the right place at the right time but not because of luck ....because of past experiences. I believe serendipity is the chance encounter of all things being in the right place at the right time and being fortunate enough to be there when it does.....planned or by chance!
September 13, 2009 at 6:09:30 PM #6
Discussions: 23
Joined: 12/8/2008
Location: Lafayette, Louisiana USA
Thanks, Rob, for your insightful comments on the art of "serendipity". It can be a difficult concept to grasp for many, especially in these busy and fast paced times when people find it so difficult to slow down and "smell the roses". They hurry to and fro with purpose and schedules, not ever knowing what they missed... Lady Serendipity sitting quietly and smiling nearby. A professor/journalist from the University of Florida, William McKeen, wrote an article in which he said, "The modern world makes it harder to discover what you didn't know you were looking for". How true! An interesting article if you're interested... Endangered Joy of Serendipity. Al
September 13, 2009 at 6:11:35 PM #7
Discussions: 23
Joined: 12/8/2008
Location: Lafayette, Louisiana USA
Posted in reply to OpheliasKiss's post
Roxy, sorry I didn't reply to your June post... just slipped by I guess. You are right, of course. Please see my post #4 if interested. Have a good day! Al
September 16, 2009 at 5:46:25 AM #8
Discussions: 32
Joined: 2/29/2008
Location: Baltimore
Posted in reply to bayouoaksstudio's post
Thanks Al...I will definitely take a look....all the best....
Rob
Edited by robbdee40 About 2 months ago.