Being ready for the magic moment when everything clicks

FM (Friday Morning) Reflection #8

Does “luck” just drop into our laps or do we make it? Some say it’s about being in the right place at the right time, and while that’s certainly helpful, I believe that luck more often is about readiness—being prepared when the moment arrives.

As a news photographer, I learned that great shots don’t come into existence just by chance. You spend time learning how your camera works, understanding framing, exposure, light—and yet, none of that matters if you aren’t ready, positioned, and ready to capture the moment. That’s when skill meets serendipity.

I experienced this last Saturday. After a brief rain shower in the early evening, I had a feeling that the sunset was going to offer something special. Living in a river valley, I know that when the sun dips just below the clouds in the golden hour, we often get a window—about 15 minutes—where the l…