One of the less commonly discussed aspects of photography is that of camera karma – the intangible force of the universe that keeps all photographers in proper balance with their equipment. Somewhat ironically overseen in this world by Kwanon, the bodhisattva of compassion as well as the original brand name of today’s Canon Corporation (true story), camera karma teaches us that if sufficient Right Camera Mindfulness is not constantly practiced, undesirable situations may more easily occur. Fail to charge your batteries before a big photo shoot? Didn’t check the cleanliness of your lens before taking that once-in-a-lifetime photo? Then you, my friend, may well find yourself with a negative balance of camera karma – much as I recently was.
Like most middle-aged men in rural areas, I commonly tote a small case on my belt containing what I assume will be a requirement at some point during any given day. However unlike my bucolic brethren, my belt case contains my trusty Canon PowerShot SD 1100 IS digital camera rather than my favorite knife or multitool. However while hurrying to ensure my daughter arrived at school on time the other morning, I failed to slip the little camera case onto my belt before leaving the house. Oh well, I would not be gone from the house long. What was the worst that could happen?
This. A spectacular amber-hued moth resting on a well lit wall just outside the school’s front door. Reaching for the only camera on my person, the pinhole model built into my iPhone, I tried in vain to get the best image I could. Sadly, this was it.
Cropping didn’t help.
Should you be wondering the identity of this little creature – so am I. As I am still without a copy of what will likely become one of the new holy scriptures of moth-ers from hither to yon, Jerry A. Powell and Paul A. Opler’s Moths of Western North America, I will simply have to wait for an identity to be attached to these thoroughly embarrassing photos. For those willing to offer their own respective guess as to what species it is, the image was recorded at 8:20 AM, June 9, 2009 in Scappoose, Oregon. Ordinarily I would submit it to the members at BugGuide but karmic shame prevents me doing this.
