Photographer Sherpa (AKA Super hero): a guide or mentor and a carrier of all things. They are renowned for their hardiness, expertise and experience and willingness to tag along. They are meant to be the driver, to carry stuff, help set up, look after the photographer, act as a human tripod, do everything they are asked no matter how humiliating and to question nothing! Well mine does this anyway.
But, what are the inner thoughts of these magnificent creatures? Dare to know.
I have asked my Sherpa to help me write this blog!
The Photographer:
"I am ready to go take some pictures. Could you please carry my bag and my lunch and my extra clothes? Oh, and please keep up!"
The Sherpa:
"I am ready to go."
The inner thoughts…
These bags are heavy! What exactly is in them and why do you need every single lens? I am keeping up....but I am also twiddling my thumbs as you take 25 pictures of the exact same thing!
The Photographer:
"Okay, so the camera is set up on the tripod. Thanks for doing that for me by the way! I've got the settings all set and the focus is ready, all you have to do is press the shutter button! Don't touch anything but that shutter button....."
The Sherpa:
"Okay boss!"
The inner thoughts…
I'll press the shutter button, but I think it would be better from a different angle or location.....but I won't say anything! After years of practice, I do I know more about those buttons than you think. I do know this will not involve just one pressing of the shutter button but several!
The Photographer:
"Can you pass me my macro lens?"
The Sherpa:
"Here it is!"
The inner thoughts…
You know, professional golf caddies get paid big bucks for selecting the right equipment. May I suggest a different lens? Um, nope, better do as told!
The Photographer:
"Let's go take some pictures. I know it's raining but rain or shine it is going to be a beautiful day!"
The Sherpa:
"You bet!"
The inner thoughts…
Do we have to? It's raining. And why is there never enough room for two under the umbrella?
The photographer:
"I think it would be a great day to wander around in the woods. Maybe I will find some wildlife to photograph!"
The Sherpa
"When you go out in the woods today, you better not go alone!"
The inner thoughts…
This is NOT a good sign!
The Photographer:
"Oh look! A bear! Isn't he cute! Let's stand here and get a few pictures before he runs off!"
The Sherpa:
"He’s adorable!"
The inner thoughts...
Take the picture before it's too late! This is not a good idea. RUN!
The Photographer:
"Just distract him a bit! I'll get one more shot."
The Sherpa:
"Oh good idea!"
The inner thoughts…
Too late!
(no animals were harmed in the taking of these photos)
The Photographer:
"Look a deer! Can you grab me my telephoto lens? On second thought, I'll just move in closer. He looks so friendly. Can you make sure he does not run away?"
The Sherpa:
"He is a magnificent beast!"
The inner thoughts…
At least this one doesn't have claws and big teeth.
The Photographer:
"I'll just learn over this dock and get some pictures of the fish and ducks! Don't worry, I won't fall in."
The Sherpa:
"Great idea! Don't worry, I’ll save you!"
The inner thoughts…
Good thing you are using your phone and not your camera!
The Photographer:
"I'm going to try this again with my good camera! Don't worry."
The Sherpa:
"Okay!"
The inner thoughts …
Oops! How's the water?"
The Photographer:
"It's a great day for a hike! Let's go up to the Lookout."
The Sherpa:
"Don't go to close to the edge!"
The inner thoughts …
I've got witnesses if you fall!
The Photographer:
"I won't fall over! I'm not even close to the edge. Relax!"
The Sherpa:
"I trust you!"
The inner thoughts…
Eye roll!
The Photographer:
"Help! Can you help me with lightroom, my browser, the website and everything to do with turning this thing on and off? I am literally tearing my hair out, and I don't want to bother Lee again!"
The Sherpa:
"I’m not an Apple or a lightroom guy but I’ll try!"
The inner thoughts…
Lightroom? It is more like darkroom gloom! Why me? Contact Lee, or Garnett, or Amy, or Kris, or Diane or Connie!"
The Photographer:
"I am much appreciative of my photography super hero, human tripod and sherpa! Without him I am lost!"
The Sherpa:
"What time do we start tomorrow?"
The inner thoughts…
I am sooooo tired!