I had it all planned out.  The camera bag was next to the door. The tickets to the show were in my coat pocket.  As I sat on the stairs tying my shoes, I planned strategy for shooting in an indoor arena.

“When it gets dark,” I thought to myself, “just remember to boost the ISO setting.  Keep an eye on the histogram.  Use the long lens, but remember to keep it steady.”

I got out to the car, checked one more time to see that I had the tickets and drove off.  This was going to be a great photographic experience, even if it was just High School Musical: The Ice Tour.  Who cares what it’s about, right, with a camera in hand any show is a great show.

» Read more: High School Musical: The Ice Tour

You see a squirrel outside your backdoor and instead of nonchalantly turning back to your breakfast, you make a mad dash for your camera bag, pull the camera out while running back, turn the camera on, take the lens cap off on the fly in one hand and pick up a handful of peanuts in another.

Phewwf.

The squirrel’s gone!

Back to the pancakes with one hand and the camera in the other, in case he returns.

[Family: Looks at you strangely]

[You: Smile and chew]