PHOTO COMP - Canyon Creek in the Dogtooth Range of the Purcells

For some photographs you spend hours setting up the shot. You scout for suitable sites, wait for the weather, recruit talent, charge batteries, check the light metre, level the tripod, and so on. Often the effort is worth it and you create a beautiful image that tells a story and endures the ages.

But then there are photographs where you happen to be in the right spot, the weather is stellar, your point-and-shoot is charged and in your pocket, and all you have to do is yell at your buddy, “Hey, throw a big slashing turn in front of me.” And he does, and you push the button.