Even fleeting moments have the right moment. Since fleeting moments do not last shoot them fast. Once you have a few images you can now look at what is happening to get that special right moment. Please do not just wait for the right moment before capturing what you see because that right moment may not come and these special times do not last. So make sure you get the shot. Then wait ...

Last week I wrote about this image. Windy gusts blew the sand into the air allowing the low sun to backlight it. The moment lasted about 3 to 5 minutes. During that time I followed my rule: shoot what changes first. In this scene the light was changing so I got this image. I am happy with this image, in fact, I really like it. However, I noticed that these gusts of wind got stronger and stronger. It was not pleasant as the wind would blow sand into my face, on my gear, and everywhere. Every so often the gust will take place where the sun lit before it reached me giving me an opportunity to get the shot.

          I waited for the right moment. I just watched, observed, and waited. The wait paid off as a stronger gust of wind blew the sand forming a little swirl. These are special moments. They do not come often. They do not last long. You have to be ready and patient at the same time. Here is the shot:

You can see that the sun is a little bit higher now as it's light is traveling all the way down the dune. To me, it is the movement of the sand that just tells the story; makes the shot. Yes, there is a right moment, wait for it.