Went looking for egrets... found these instead

Sometimes things don't go according to plan. but the outcome can still be a pleasant one. I like to call these "happy accidents." These cute little turtles illustrate what can happen when you have an open mind.

My husband accompanied me recently on a visit to the Crabtree Nature Center in Barrington, part of the Cook County Forest Preserve. Able assistant that he is, his job is to carry the tripod, "hold this" and keep an eye out for anything interesting.  There were lots of seagulls, ducks, and geese; but no egrets to be found.  He was the first to spot the turtles, and I chose these two, who seemed engaged in private conversation.

So, fellow photographers, when you go out on a photo shoot, do you have a specific subject, mood, or setting in mind? Or do you just go exploring, to see what is out there? How often do you find something unexpected that you like, perhaps, even more than your original concept?

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