Friday 30 January 2009

The Right Time, The Right Place.

PhotoStory Friday
Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek


It is really important to remember to take a camera with you on any walk, even if you are only an amateur photographer, like me.
I realized how important this piece of advice was recently, when I stumbled on this normally public piece of green that had been cordoned off by dozens of police men and women who where milling around.



The first thing that I did was to ask a policeman whether or not I could take a photo. They had no worries about that and told me to go ahead. Incidentally, aren't the policemen getting young these days? They only looked like teenagers. Thought I had better not push my luck and ask them to say "cheese". I knew they wouldn't agree to do that.



I had thought this was some sort of open day displaying the work of a police helicopter and had a feeling that the vehicle was getting ready for take off. I was not going to miss that.



I knew this was going to test my photographic skills. Would it just be a whir of helicopter blades blurring the image? I knew there wouldn't be a second chance, so I'd better get it right first time. I am a bit hit and miss with different ranges and I can't do anything too technical. I find my photos either go well or they don't and I have to learn by experience and try to remember what I did or didn't do.



Wahay! This isn't too bad so far. People will at least be able to see what it is supposed to be. You can see the police lady in the background, guarding the tape that was cordoning the area off.
The noise was really loud and the breeze was strong from the turbulence made by the spinning blades.



Soon the helicopter was up in the sky and disappeared from view. The cordons were removed and the police started to get into their vehicles. However, being a bit curious, I asked one of them what had happened and I was told that there had been a medical emergency and the patient had been transported to hospital. 
A real drama for some one and I hope the outcome was good for him/her.
As I started to put the camera away and carry on with my walk, a couple of tourists asked me if Royalty had been and gone and they seemed disappointed when I told them it was a medical emergency. However, I was fairly pleased that I had witnessed it.
The whole event took only minutes, so I happened to be in the right place at the right time. Ten minutes either way and I would have missed the drama.





Photo Story Friday is hosted by Cicely and Mama Geek

27 comments:

Carrie and Troy Keiser said...

SO glad that you had your camera! I'm learning that lesson more and more every day -- that I forget it!

Casdok said...

Wow! Well done for remembering your camera.

OvaGirl said...

Those photos were great and as clear as could be. You are so right about always having your camera with you. I'm guilty of forgetting to keep the battery charged though!

Jeni said...

Great shots for a very interesting story.

Indrani said...

So lucky, they gave you a go ahead for photographing it. The shots have come out well too, right from take off.

VioletSky said...

great shots - especially the last with the birds below the helicoptor!

Marian Dean said...

Fantastic shots. I feel now I must get into the habit of pocketing my camera before going out.
Well done
Love Granny (*!*)

Expat mum said...

So you're switching careers and joining the papparazzi then Maggie?

Unknown said...

I love it. Great shots.

soulbrush said...

my first granddaughter was born twelve days ago and they have called her maggie rae.tee hee.

tiarastantrums said...

cool shots!

Anonymous said...

Fun pictures! My sons would have loved to see a helicopter that close-up. I hope whoever was in it is okay!

aims said...

Great shots Maggie! What a bit of excitement for you then!

We bought a new camera this past year because of all the wonderful pics I've come across on people's blogs.

Now - to learn how to use it!

Irene said...

I have my camera in my purse, but very often I leave the house without my purse. That's not going to do me any good. The opportunity will come along and I will not be prepared. I should hang it around my neck and always be ready.

Akelamalu said...

'Be Prepared' and you were - great shots!

MamaGeek @ Works For Us said...

Oh these were great shots Maggie, way to be ready!

imbeingheldhostage said...

Great photo opportunity!
ok, I'm putting my camera closer to the door now.

Chris said...

Very timely, and prepared -- you could be a Boy Scout (well, you know).

Ladybird World Mother said...

The times I have wanted my camera and its not there... Well done you! Will take my camera out tomorrow...

Cath said...

Excellent advice Maggie and brilliant shots! Right time and place indeed!

Suburbia said...

wow, all that drama in just a short time. You did well to catch it!

Mean Mom said...

Great photos. I don't often take my camera out with me, at the moment. Sadly, I can't think of anything I have missed, though. It must be a bit boring round here!

Mickle in NZ said...

Excellent shots for a great photo essay. And good to know there is such care out there for the one with the urgent medical problem.

Thank you Maggie, keep that camera close.

huggles from downunder

Strawberry Jam Anne said...

Excellent photos and story Maggie. I keep telling myself to take my camera with me when I go out walking only to forget each time. A x

cheshire wife said...

It's quite exciting to come across something which is not run of the mill and a bonus to be able to photograph it.

Hilary said...

Great shots, Maggie. I can't tell you how many times I've regretted not having my camera. Good for you!

Lavinia said...

At first sight this post had a very James Bond air to it! I once saw Princess Diana, Prince Charles, William and Harry exit helicopters when they came to visit Toronto. They'd been to Niagra Falls and were returning to the city, where the Royal Yacht was moored. I'm going back about 20 years now!!