UNINTENDED FOOTPRINTS

A common hazard with photographing on sand is the unintended footprint. It could be a footprint from someone just casually strolling along the beach, or by the photographer himself.

As I scout for possible seascape shots on beaches, I try to rock hop whenever I can, or walk at a safe distance away from the surf. But sometimes I make the mistake of planting a footprint that unfortunately interferes with my composed shot.

The photo below was taken about one hour and 10 minutes before the final picture above as the sun was setting, and it gives an idea of how careless walking on the beach can ruin a foreground shot.


If you look closely at the picture, you will see an unintended footprint immediately in front of the nearest foreground rock on the right. I actually had to wait for more than an hour before the waves could finally reach that one footprint and gradually erase its presence.

Life can be like that. In life we make mistakes - guaranteed. But unlike footprints in the sand that can be easily removed by the waves, our mistakes in life cannot be erased. It's been said that actions are irreversible, and that words are like arrows...once a word leaves the mouth, it can no longer be retrieved.

God knew exactly what He was doing when He required us to forgive and to not hold grudges. He knows how imperfect we are, so He desires forgiveness to be a part of our daily lives.

The Bible says in Colossians 3:13,
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Forgiveness may not be able to erase our mistakes, but it does cause healing and restoration, and it frees the soul of hatred and animosity. It also promotes love and unity, but most of all, it pleases and glorifies God.

Going back to the footprints...there is something refreshing and wonderful about the tidal flows on a sandy beach. It's reassuring to know that although my annoying footprints might be there for up to ten or twelve hours, they will eventually melt away in the next high tide, restoring the natural beauty of the surf as if no one has ever walked there before.

In the same way, it's also reassuring to know that because we are imperfect people, we have a God who is always and eternally loving and forgiving.

Technical Info: Heisler Park, Laguna Beach, California. 0.3 sec @ f/22, Canon 5D, Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L, 0.6 ND Grad. The tripod was set very low.