Idiot

'Idiot' - 2011                                                                                                                                                                      snake

Idiot.  The title I chose for this photograph is as apt and accurate as any title I’ve ever come up with. I chose to title this photograph 'Idiot' because that is what I acted like during the process of taking this picture. A year or so ago, while running errands, I spotted this white, wooden, freshly painted wall behind the mini-mart at a gas station.  It was a bright, warm and sunny day and I was wearing only a pair of shorts and sandals, so I probably looked kind of stupid. One of the kids working at the mini-mart approached me and said, “May I help you?”  I shot back, rather sarcastically, “No, that’s OK, I can shoot this by myself.”  Not knowing what to say, the employee left awkwardly. I instantly knew I behaved…like an idiot. I went into the mini-mart, shook the employees hand and apologized. He graciously accepted.

Rudeness is never acceptable, in photography or bowhunting. Always be courteous and polite to anyone, especially if you happen to be in full camouflage. A year later and I still remember this encounter. Thankfully, I haven’t been an idiot in the woods, yet.