Last week I went to the southern Oregon coast to photograph the giant waves crashing on the rocks at Shore Acres State Park. Driving through Sunset Bay State Park, I pulled into the viewpoint for Cape Arago Lighthouse and I was reminded of why it’s always important to stop and photograph what you see and not just think “Oh, I’ll come back another time for that photo”.
I’m sure glad I made this photograph when I did several years ago, because it would be impossible to get this image now. The Coast Guard decommissioned the lighthouse, so it’s signal beam no longer shines. The trees on the little rock island on the left side of the photo have all died, leaving bleached white sticks. The State Parks Department erected a fence barrier at the viewpoint and vegetation between the viewing area and this cove has grown to partially obscure the view.
So when you come across a good photo opportunity, or you have a certain location in mind to photograph someday, don’t put it off. Work it right away or get there as soon as you can.
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Very good point, Greg. I don’t know how many times I’ve “re-taught” myself this lesson, though usually in relation to less than perfect weather conditions rather than changes in the landscape or access. But it seems more and more true, especially about limiting access. Palouse Falls is a great example. I wanted a night shot of the falls with the Milky Way, and this June I finally got over there and got the shot – it wasn’t perfect, there were a few clouds, but it was darn good anyway. In the fall, State Parks fenced off access north of the falls, making the shot I took in June impossible to get now without risking trespassing charges.