I had no intention to flash anybody. I just wanted to redo a photo I did back in 2006. I'm quite a bit older now so an update seemed appropriate. It is a very simple composition showing me sitting on a park bench. The bench is in the shadow, but it is clear from my appearance that it is a warm sunny day. The pose offers a frontal view that is a juxtaposition of relaxation on the one hand, yet also showing an element of excitement. I have always been happy with the image, because it captures something essential about my attitude towards nature and life. I love sharing the photo, hoping that everyone who sees it catches some of the joy and excitement I feel. But six years is a long time. I'm now 5 months short of my 50th birthday. I wanted to reaffirm to myself, and everyone else who might be interested, that I'm still the guy in that photo: happy to be alive in this wonderful world and confident to show my excitement.

So there I was, setting up the camera and preparing to take the photo using the self-timer. This consumed all of my attention. Finally I was ready and quickly sat down, waiting for the 10 seconds of the self-timer. But I had not noticed the approach of a jogger. The path is sandy so the sound of his steps is muted. When I sat down he was about 20 meter away, approaching the bench. Ten seconds is a long time. And I could not move because that would ruin the photo. Remember, I wanted to express confidence. So there I was, in full view of the approaching jogger. This unexpected situation gave me an exhilarating rush. Without breaking his stride the jogger smiled, raised his hand and passed by. The indicator lamp on the camera speeded up, indicating the end of the set time, and the photo was taken.

I'm happy with the image, and the experience. From a photography point of view the image ought to be cropped, but I figured that you might enjoy seeing the jogger vanishing in the background, so here it is: