Pictures Of Hummingbirds

There are times in life that everything seems to fall in place. People that believe in astronomy would say that the stars were aligned. People that believe in a higher power would say the gods are smiling. I like to believe that somethings are just meant to be. No matter how you phrase it I was very lucky to happen upon a second career in a time in my life that I least expected it.

I have a degree in social work. I had been working in the field for thirty years and was starting to count down the number of years until I could retire. I did not dislike my job, but I found that it was difficult to remain optimistic when I was dealing with peoples problems all day long. One of the things that I do to relax and rejuvenate my spirit is to garden. I have perennial gardens that I love tending to. Through the years I have learned to keep my camera close by when I am in the gardens because there are many opportunities to take pictures of hummingbirds and other creatures that are attracted to the flowers.

One day two years ago I was sitting on a small stool pulling weeds. I had my camera around my neck because I was hoping to get a picture of the hummingbirds that had been flying around the flowers. I do not know if it was because I was sitting down or what, but a hummingbird handed very close to me and sat on one of my bleeding heart bushes. I slowly raised my camera and was able to take several pictures of it resting on the branch. Another hummingbird then began feeding on the flowers of the bush. I was so close I could hear the wings beating. The sun was at a perfect angle to capture the beautiful colors of the feathers. I could hardly wait to get the pictures of the hummingbirds developed. I quickly shot off the rest of the roll and took the film in. The pictures of the hummingbirds were fantastic. And to my great surprise I realized that I had captured a picture of their nest with two tiny eggs in it. The nest was in one of the plants that I had taken a shot of to use up the film.

The person at the camera shop asked if they could display one of the pictures. A few days later I was called about selling one of the pictures. I had so many requests that I had several made up and framed. I am now doing nature photography and selling prints. It is a great career change. I am no longer counting the days to retirement.