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Serendipity! for Cai


Serendipity! for Cai
Photo Information
Copyright: David Robert (Dave) Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 503 W: 43 N: 657] (2178)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2006-12-11
Categories: Birds
Camera: NikonD200, AF VR-Nikkor 80-400mm ED
Exposure: f/5.6, 1/60 seconds
Details: Tripod: Yes
Photo Version: Original Version, Workshop
Date Submitted: 2006-12-22 13:19
Viewed: 3728
Points: 21
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
I dedicate this picture to my oldest son, Cai Robert. Cai is short for Mordecai. He was named after the Mordecai found in the book of Ester, and he has no middle name. My wife thought that was illegal. I told her he is my boy, I can name him what and how I want.
This picture was a serendipitous gift for me. It is far from perfect, but it brought me joy. My son Cai is similar in this manner: he is far from perfect, but his little life has brought me joy that is difficult to describe. He will be 21 on June 27, 2007. He is currently going through a tough little health battle spending time in ICU.
Cai has taught me some wonderful lessons in life that have all been serendipitous. Though he is far from perfect, my little buddy can't walk, can't talk, and is feed through a gastrointestinal tube. He can give you a smile that is priceless.
The biggest lesson Cai has taught me is life is about relationships. Not all of us can be a MVP. Even though a MVP can give us much joy, we can still find something to appreciate and joy in those who provide less even if it is as insignificant as a smile.

This picture brought a smile to my face. Because I was not pleased with the imperfect technical aspects, I thought I'd never post it. But it has so much in common with my son Cai who has my thoughts and concerns for the moment, that I hope you don't mind its technical imperfections and this dedication.

About the Serendipity shot: With excitement I unpackaged my new 80 to 400mm lens. I attached it to my camera and placed it on my tripod. I zoomed in and focused on my scraggly old oak which I love even though others have offered to cut it out of my view. When I looked through the viewfinder, there on a limb was this Red Bellied Woodpecker which allowed me to take several shots through my French doors from an estimated distance of 30 yards.
What a serendipitous treat finding this unexpected subject. I smiled. I must say, getting quality bird shots has not been as easy as I thought it would be with this new lens. But, life goes on and every day we have with those we love and enjoy is a precious gift.

One thing I like about TrekNature is the opportunity to meet people from different lands and cultures. Even though we may differ in our beliefs and values, we find friendship through our common joy of nature and photography. I hope life finds things well with all of you.

Date Time = 2006-12-11 13:09:51
Exposure Time = 1/60"
F Number = F5.6
Exposure Program = Shutter priority
ISO Speed Ratings = 220
Focal Length = 400mm
See WS for uncropped origional w/ Cai included.
horia, saeedabbasi, volkan, cedryk, anavazao, scottevers7, livios, Alan_Kolnik has marked this note useful
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ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To horia: simply thanks...Dave 1 12-23 02:13
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Critiques [Translate]

great composition, TFS Ori

  • Great 
  • horia Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2158 W: 224 N: 4749] (16656)
  • [2006-12-23 4:00]
  • [+]

Hi Dave

I'm so sorry for Cai! I don't really know what to say...i'm speechless...i had to stop from time to time while reading your note just to take a moment...
I really can't find my words here (i'm trying not to say something bad...), but i guess this is honest enough: i admire you! I admire you for your attitude towards Cai's state, i admire you for your feeling toward him and everything he stands for and i admire you for having the courage and the character in admitting that not everything is perfect and that it doesn't take something perfect for it to be beautiful!

The picture is great as it is! The woodpecker is very cute and colorful :)

I strongly wish you and your family a lovely Christmas and I really hope your wishes come true :)

Sincerely
Horia

Hi dear David ,
very nice shot.
good compositin and nice sharpness.
nice colors.

best regards
Saeed

  • Great 
  • volkan Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor [C: 497 W: 10 N: 4] (2425)
  • [2006-12-23 10:48]

Hi Dave,
Although this capture is a bit unclear,there is something mystical about the atmosphere.
Nice soft colors.
Best wishes.

  • Great 
  • Adanac Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1273 W: 1 N: 6188] (21378)
  • [2006-12-23 17:19]

Hi Dave,
God Bless Cai, and you and your family at Christmas and through out the New Year.

I wish you Merry Christmas and Happy New Year my good friend:)!
The perfect moment! Great colours, perspective, POV, textures, framing..... Ana:)

Hi Dave,
I think Cai is the lucky one. He is blessed to have wonderful parents that love and care for him so much. In my line of work I see some of the worst in people. We are all flawed, but some of us work harder at trying to correct those flaws while others make them worse. Nothing I can say or do will change things, but You and your family have been in my thoughts.
Take care my friend,
Scott

  • Great 
  • livios Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2150 W: 319 N: 4263] (16942)
  • [2006-12-30 18:40]

David, I do enjoy the word "serendipity".

As for the technical stuff, do not worry about it: the shot is worthwhile posting.

Lovely note, lovely photo.

  • Great 
  • cedryk Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 967 W: 50 N: 1722] (5270)
  • [2006-12-30 20:54]

Dear Dave,
Thanks for this shot and for your very personal note. We are far away, almost on the other sides of the globe but looking at someone's picture and reading such note we become much closer for that moment.
I keep my fingers crossed for your life battle. Be sure my thoughts were with you while breaking bread during that Christmas Eve supper.
All the best!
Michal

Dave,
Thanks for the note, reminds us all to think about how lucky we all are. I do like the photo as well never seen that type of bird before, he looks like a big one! Thanks for sharing both.
Donna :o)



Thanks also for your comments and smilie on my photo "Riding it out " :o)

Great note, and a good shot with this wonderful lens (I have the same lens on a D70). Shooting through glass doors or windows reduces the quality of the picture remarkably, and your other shots with this lens show what a great lens it is when you get the chance to use it unimpeded by a window.

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