Those of us who are avid photographers often plan in great detail about where we are going, how we will get there, what time of day will be best for photography, what camera and lens to use, and such other things.

But then, stuff happens.

As on this bitterly cold morning, when I stood awaiting for my photography group to arrive and then to beg a ride to our destination, a lovely spot on the Isle of Skye, Scotland. But, as I stood there waiting, I looked at the light that fell before me. What more could one want? It was just before sunrise and the sky was all alight with magical colors, the water was calm, and the little boat, with it’s tether line stretching to the shore, all were there in front of me, begging me to get out my camera and lens. So I did.

And to be philosophical about this, I should say, that such is what life is about. Have you not had the same thing happen to you? Just a brief moment in time when something special took place in front of your eyes? It could have been a slight smile from a loved one, the interaction of a human and animal, the catch light of an eagle at dawn, a bear looking with interest at something in the distance. It is what I call the “soul of the moment.” There I go again, digressing.

And what I may have learned from this bitterly cold morning, while waiting to go do something planned, is that the unplanned moments are the ones we treasure most.

Photographed at Ornsay, Isle of Skye, Scotland.