Just like falling off a bike - I mean riding a bike

I shot an assignment today. I slung my camera over my shoulder and went to the dedication ceremony of a cob oven on the PSU campus to take some pictures for a book a friend of mine is writing about outdoor cooking. It's been about six years since I've worked as a photographer, and I'm happy to report that I fell right back into my old rhythm, even though I had completely forgotten about it.

Here's how it goes for me:

First I can't find the place. I curse the writer's lousy directions, worry that I'm going to miss the event, leave a somewhat frantic message on the writer's voice mail asking for clarification, manage to find the place before the writer calls back, then tell her sheepishly that it was right where she said it was when she does call back.

Next comes the hardest part: getting out of the car. I'm nervous that I'm going to screw things up. Why am I doing this? Is it really worth the hassle?

When I get to the actual location, I start introducing myself and find my contact. The people are friendly and interesting. They're glad I'm here to capture this event. I start seeing things and taking tons of pictures. I know what I'm doing. I'm having fun.

I realize my exposure is off and nothing is in focus.

I take some more pictures, trying out different angles. I get down low. I get up high. I'm not getting anything.

Nothing is happening. I wish these people would stop talking and do something already.

I get some close ups and some wide shots to cover my bases. I think I probably have something useable. The event is over. I'm going to go now. Here I am on the way out the door. I am leaving. Here I go.

Something happens that was better than anything going on during the actual event. I'm there to get it and I walk away feeling like a good photographer.

I drive home, getting only a little bit lost, but that's just because of the #$%*ing one-way streets. Life is good.

I look at the pictures on my computer. Stuff I thought definitely worked when I shot it definitely does not. I suck.

I edit the pictures and look through the selects. Something will work. I do not suck.