I just finished photographing two days at the Oregon Horse Center’s National Indoor Mountain Trail event here in Eugene. Saturday and Sunday were the opening act. Wednesday through Sunday is the gauntlet. I expect to be there from about eight in the morning until eight at night, followed by another couple of hours of editing. Somewhere in there I should probably eat something that requires more preparation than opening a wrapper.
There is a rhythm to photographing an event like this. Watching the horse and rider, anticipating what they are about to do, and being ready when the moment happens. When I get into it, I can concentrate on what is in front of me without thinking through every adjustment. That is one of my favorite parts of photography. It is also a very effective way to forget that I have knees and that they would appreciate a discussion about working conditions.
Of course, taking the pictures is only part of the job. The horses get to finish their day before I do. I still have images to sort, edit, and get posted so people can find their photographs. After twelve hours of paying attention, I get to sit down and pay attention to several thousand more things. Apparently, I have chosen a profession in which the reward for finishing is more photography.
This year, my girlfriend is helping where she can. She has experience with editing and business, and I appreciate having someone who understands how much work happens after the camera goes back in the bag. Her time is limited too, which makes her willingness to spend some of it helping me mean even more.
What I am beginning to notice is that she is learning my rhythm. She is getting a feel for how I work, where I get buried, and where her time can make the biggest difference. We are still figuring that out together, but she is already beginning to anticipate where she can be useful. When my attention is tied up with photographing the event, having someone thinking about what else needs doing is a considerable gift.
She also suggested I take a day off between the Greenies weekend and the Wednesday start to head out to Belknap Hot Springs for a quick soak. I had never been to Belknap. While I have been to Cougar Hot Springs, I have lived within reach of this place where sitting in hot water counts as the entire agenda and had never taken advantage of it. That seems like an oversight.
The drive was peaceful, with fall colors along the way, and the soak was wonderfully relaxing. For a little while, there was nothing I needed to photograph, sort, or edit. I could sit there and enjoy myself. With five long days coming, it felt good to give myself a break before I was completely worn out. I appreciated that she thought of it, and I am glad I listened.
That is another part of how she is helping me find my rhythm. She is paying attention to the person doing the work, too. I can get focused on everything that needs to happen and keep going because there is always one more thing to finish. Her suggestion gave us something enjoyable to do together and gave me a chance to rest before picking the camera back up.
Her help gives me more room to concentrate. I can get further into the photography because I have support with the work surrounding it. That affects the photographs, the editing, and how much energy I have left to make good decisions at the end of a long day. I want to give the competitors photographs they are excited to see. Her help gives me a better chance of doing that without reaching Sunday looking like I should be put out to pasture.
There is something personal in that, too. She is taking the time to learn about something that matters to me, including the exhausting and repetitive parts. Editing after a long day probably will not make anyone’s list of exciting date ideas. Yet she is willing to be there, contributing what she knows and helping me make this work. I feel cared for in a very practical way, and I want her to know how much I appreciate it.
I also want to pay attention to her rhythm. She has her own responsibilities and only so much time to give. As we figure out how to work together, I want there to be room for both of us, including more opportunities to stop working and enjoy each other’s company. I would hate for her to discover that dating a photographer means every evening comes with a folder of homework. Hot springs are a much better offering.
Wednesday is coming, and I expect five long days, tired feet, and plenty of late nights in front of a screen. After these first two days, though, I am grateful to be finding a rhythm with someone who is willing to help me do something I love, and who suggested we make time for a peaceful drive and a relaxing soak along the way. I am looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish together. First, I should probably find a vegetable.