As I scooted by the gelato store on this hot sunny day, there she was again. And the shadows on her crossed leg were exactly as they'd been the last time, only sharper. (See my photo entry for October 2). So I was given another chance to take the photo I'd come to wish I'd taken in the first place, one in which I focused exclusively on what interested me and left the rest out. Happily, she was willing to let me try again.

How often are we given such opportunities, not just as photographers but as human beings? The trick is to see it as a second chance...and take it. Pride must be set aside as we admit to ourselves that we didn't get it quite right the first time. But here we are with another chance to put into practice what we'd learned.

In relation to this particular photo, some viewers might prefer the first version. And that's fine. But as the photographer, this one says what I want to say and that makes it a success in my eyes.