Early last night, Christmas Eve, I carried my camera, mounted with a long telephoto lens, into a quiet field some distance from a forest of tall evergreens. It was about 20 minutes after the sun had set, and a single planet -- I think it was Venus -- shone bright in the growing darkness in the southwestern sky.
Back at home there was a fire going in the wood stove, Christmas lights and candles burned in our family room, and the scene was cozy. Leah was making a special Christmas Eve meal and the house smelled wonderful. Our son had come out for the night, and Leah’s mother was there too.
Earlier in the week, however, I’d noticed the striking planet in the night sky and had thought to myself: “Wow, if it is clear on Christmas Eve, wouldn’t it be cool if I could make a picture that night?...” So, despite all those comforts at home, I had politely excused myself from the family gathering, promising I’d only be away for a short while. I got in the car and drove a couple of miles to get to the spot I’d previously scoped out for the shot, this field where I stood now, just me and my not-too-conversational three-legged friend the tripod.
The sky was clear, as I had hoped, and it was a fairly simple matter to make the picture I had in mind. I focused on the very top of a distant, tall evergreen and waited for Venus to move into just the right spot in my viewfinder.
I shot about 10 frames, packed my gear into my car, and headed home (stopping along the way at our local craft brewery to get a growler jug filled with holiday ale.)
In short order I was back home and seated at the dinner table, taking part in the holiday meal.
Time away from home: Probably 30 minutes.
Ho Ho Ho. I LOVE IT when a plan comes together!
