Today I hesitated, and watched the skies. Okay, they don't move - something to do with the Firmament being placed there by God, in His wisdom. But the clouds looked as if they might be getting ready to do something nice.

So I tossed a coin. Then I tossed another one, because I lost the first. This new one decided for me: I SHALL go out and see what photos I can take, even if there's nothing worth while.

The trouble is, I wanted to convince myself that there was nothing worthwhile to take a picture of. I was warm and snug at home and there was lots of coffee on tap and some good programmes on TV.

But that changed dramatically; the sky lightened, the sun peeped through, and a glorious sunset descended over the world - well, my part of it anyway. I waited a little longer, and the sky turned red - so red that it seemed on fire. I posted the pictures on the Shutter forums, and I think they're as good as it gets.

Another time, another place, another coin - and I probably wouldn't have gone outside at all. But the moral of the story is, of course: have faith, await inspiration, follow your judgements and don’t forget the coffee will still be there when you get home.

Well, that’s more than one moral but I’m not counting. I’m just musing over some great images.

Eric Hartwell runs the photography resource site http://www.theshutter.co.uk and the associated discussion forums as well as the regular weblog at http://thephotographysite.blogspot.com

• Digital Tips For Your Baby Photos - Using The Sephia Setting


• Your Camera and Condensation


• Photography in the Snow


• Creative Automotive Pictures, Things To Consider – Part 1


• Helping Dogs Feel Confident During a Pet Portrait Session


• Better Travel Photos With the Light in the Morning and Late Afternoon


• Take Your Photo: But Avoid Common Pitfalls #1


• Albums - An Arranged Marriage


• Take Your Photo: But Avoid Common Pitfalls #2


• Take Your Photo: But Avoid Common Pitfalls #3