f/8 and Be There.

In yesterday’s blog about a sunset in Maine, I mentioned the phrase “f/8 and be there.” Here’s what it means. . . 

When I was a kid, my dad told me about a famous photographer who—in the days before iPhones and automatic cameras—was asked, “What's the secret to taking great pictures?"  He simply replied, “f/8 and be there." f/8 is a middle-of-the-road setting for the aperture, which controls the amount of light that creates the image. 

The photographer's point was that "being there" is the most important thing for a great picture. Equipment, expertise, and exposure play their parts, but great pictures start with great moments. In other words, if you see an incredible sunset in Maine or a double rainbow in the Yadkin River valley, don't worry about fancy camera settings, just set your camera on f/8 and BE THERE to take the picture! 

When we lived in Richmond, my license plate was “F8 BTHER”. A guy who worked in my building asked me what it meant and I explained it. He said, “I like that. It's like Woody Allen's quote that 80% of life is just showing up.”

Reflecting on his comment later, though, I realized that “f/8 and be there” is more than the Woody Allen quote, because we can show up places and not really be there. Smartphones have contributed to many missed moments when people were showing up without really being there. I’ve done that. Maybe you have, too.

As a parent, spouse, and friend, I’m tempted to just show up sometimes—preoccupied with something else I need to be doing or somewhere else I need to be. One of the great temptations in life is to lament lost moments while missing the ones right in front of our noses. 

So. . . maybe today needs to be an f/8 day for you. Set your heart and mind on it. And whomever you are with and wherever you are. . . be there. Even if that means putting down your phone or computer, like RIGHT NOW, and being there for someone. :)