Action photographers have long known that they way you get the money shot is 1 part preparation and 9 parts perspiration. While all the advanced effort is important, some subjects simply require effort. In the days of film, that meant lots of images and the hope you got the right one. in the digital era, it still means lots of images but you know more quickly if you captured the curtail moment or not. It does not change the fact the moment is gone and you can’t go back but at least you know. Faster sensors, less noise, better processing, good glass, VR (vibration reduction), and bust mode auto-winders help to get better images that tolerate more cropping, and more chances to capture the perfect frame.

Sadly, I shoot with an older camera (circa 2002) that does not have the faster sensor or the better processing or the VR or the bust mode auto-winder. I do have good glass – even if it is 18 years old and been around the world 5 or 6 times.

Still, I take lots of pictures and I try to be as prepared as possible for when the money shot might avail itself. Today was pretty close. When I back inside and warming up, I reviewed the frames. There were some near misses, and then this – not perfect by any means but a nice representation of the impact a good snow storm can make on a very happy Pug …

120mm (35mm equiv) @ f2.8 for 1/4000s