There are some things a photo can never do…

On Friday I had to make one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make. And it got me thinking after the initial grief had dropped to a minimal level that was bearable.

You see, my faithful hound of 13 years, Budweiser, who has been through thick and thin with me, and indeed came into my life just as I was starting this magazine, had to be sent to the long sleep.

Budweiser, (Buddy to his mates) had been a little poorly for a few months, with nerve degeneration making his back legs have a separate mind of their own on occasion and stopped him climbing even the smallest of steps or going on even a short walk

Jumping into the car for a trip to the beach was out of the question.

But he was happy enough slowly trundling around the yard, getting the odd Schmacko and having long snoozes.

And then three nights ago, at 2am in the freezing cold, I found him outside wandering aimlessly in the dark.

On Friday morning, I am not even sure he knew where he was anymore except for brief flashes, so I made the heart-breaking decision to make that vet appointment that becomes the very last one.

And it broke my heart. But it was the right thing to do as hard as it was. I had to do the same thing 14 years ago with VBtheDog, and it does not get any easier trust me.

So, what has this to do with video?

Well, we all have tonnes and tonnes of photographs of immediate family, loved ones, friends and pets, but there is something a photograph can never do.

A photo never lets you see the person – or pet – walk, run, jump, ride a swing, swim, splash or just act plain silly. Nor can a photo let you hear a voice or laugh, a bark, playful growl, meow, chirp or squawk.

A photo can also never show a face of concentration turn into a smile of absolute delight at unwrapping a present, or a confused look turning into surprise when an unexpected event unfolds.

We used to have a strapline in the early days of Australian Videocamera, “A photo is a snapshot in time, but a video is a time machine itself” or words to that affect.

Sure, we all want to make that blockbuster film, TV series or award-winning documentary.

But the small stuff counts too, and in its place, can be just as rewarding.

Sometimes more so.