October 30, 2026

One thing photography has taught me is that you don’t always have to know what you’re looking for. Sometimes, you just need to grab your camera and go.

It’s easy, especially when you’re passionate about photography, to feel that every outing needs to produce something special. Before you even arrive, you may already be thinking about the location, the light, the composition, and what you hope to photograph.

There’s nothing wrong with planning; some photographs call for plenty of it. But I’ve also found that some of my favorite moments behind the camera happen when I don’t have much of a plan at all.

A Little Surprise at Leu Gardens

Not long ago, I shared a black-and-white photograph of a squirrel I took at Leu Gardens in Orlando, Florida. What makes the photograph special to me isn’t just the image itself. It’s how it came about.

I went to Leu Gardens without a particular subject in mind. I just wanted to walk around with my camera and see what caught my attention. Then this little squirrel showed up—and he almost seemed to pose for me!

I was surrounded by beautiful gardens, plants, and all kinds of things I could have photographed. Yet this little guy was the subject that caught my eye. That’s what I love about photography: you just never know.

Learning to See What’s Right in Front of Us

One of the greatest things photography has done for me is teach me to pay closer attention. It’s easy to overlook the ordinary things around us: a squirrel climbing a tree, sunlight falling across a leaf, a bird resting on a branch, or patterns in the clouds. We see these things so often that sometimes we barely notice them.

But when you pick up a camera, you begin to look at the world differently. You notice details, light, expressions, and little moments that might last only a second or two. You also begin to see that beauty isn’t always grand or spectacular. Sometimes it’s right there in front of you.

Why I Chose Black and White

I enjoy black-and-white photography because it encourages me to look beyond color. Don’t get me wrong: I love a beautiful color photograph, especially when I’m photographing a sunrise, sunset, or landscape. But black and white draws my attention to different things.

In this squirrel photograph, I’m drawn to the texture of the fur, the expression on his face, and the little reflection in his eye. Without color competing for attention, those details become the story.

That’s something I enjoy about photography’s artistic side: two photographers can look at the same subject and see something completely different. That’s what makes it personal.

Not Every Outing Has to Produce a Masterpiece

I’ve also been learning that I don’t need to come home with an incredible photograph every time I pick up my camera. Sometimes it’s enough just to be out there—to enjoy my surroundings, notice things I might otherwise miss, and spend a little time doing something I love.

If I happen to come home with a photograph that makes me smile, that’s a bonus. It’s an important reminder, especially in a world where we can put so much pressure on ourselves to make every moment productive. There can be real joy in simply enjoying the experience.

Sometimes the Unexpected Is the Best Part

When I think back to that day at Leu Gardens, I smile because I didn’t go there looking for a squirrel. But that’s the photograph I came home with.

In a way, there’s a lesson in that beyond photography. We can make all the plans we want, but life has a way of surprising us. As a Christian, I believe God reminds us that we don’t always have to know what’s around the next corner. Sometimes we just need to be present, appreciate what’s in front of us, and trust Him with the rest.

I’m not saying God sent that squirrel to pose for my camera! But I do believe there’s something to be said for slowing down enough to appreciate the little things He’s created. Sometimes those little things can bring us an unexpected amount of joy.

Until Next Time

The next time you head out somewhere, whether you’re carrying a camera or not, try leaving a little room for the unexpected. Look around, pay attention, and enjoy where you are. You never know what might catch your eye. And who knows? Maybe a little squirrel will stop and pose for you, too.

Thanks for spending a little time with me here at Through My Lens. Until next time, keep looking for the beauty in the world around you.

Bob Pinto
Bob Pinto Photography

About the Author

Bob Pinto is a fine-art photographer specializing in landscapes, wildlife, and black-and-white photography. A graduate of Serge Ramelli's Institute of Photography, Bob enjoys sharing not only the photographs he creates but also the stories, experiences, and moments of inspiration behind them.

Explore his photography at bobpintophotography.com.