From Mardi Himal Low Camp

This photograph was taken with the aid of a trekking pole threaded on the end to attach to a camera. I was leaning against a picnic table outside the Machhapuchare guesthouse trying to hold things steady. On principle I skip the tripod but with telephoto shots the threaded pole leaning against something can be just enough to get a stable exposure. The mountain had been in and out all day but just at the moment dinner was served it came out blazing with a vengeance. I got up from the table, grabbed my stuff, and got to work.

My lovely host Bhim was confused and of course it is quite rude not to come eat when someone has carefully prepared food for you. I couldn't even turn around to look at him and explain the importance to me of my photographic mission - the top of the mountain was exploding in the last light and I had to capture it. So I clicked away furiously and apologized and tried to explain at the same time.

The best light of the day often coincides with mealtimes, and I have run outside in the middle of more than a few. You just don't know when the magic is going to pop out, it is so fleeting that if you are serious about catching it you have to be ready to go at the drop of a hat. And of course tell your hosts that you may just run off at any moment to go shoot something, up front is best, and hope they understand.