The pang of regret from missing a shot

Discussion

Hi all, I’m relatively new to photography and am looking for emotional support LOL.

Do the pangs of regret from missing a shot get easier? I’m not even talking about that split-second moment in a city street scene. For example, I was just on vacation and the view from the hotel balcony was lovely and in the morning the clouds were fluffy and the light was just right. But I was a bit hurried so I told myself I’d take the shot when I got back before I checked out. Lo and behold when I got back it was unexpectedly raining and I’ve been thinking about that shot that could have been ever since. Especially because it represents a nice memory.

It seems this experience is exacerbated with analogue because I’m always thinking, “is this worth an exposure?” before I snap. And sometimes I conclude no in the moment but then regret heavily later.

Anyone else? How has your experience with regret evolved over time?

Posted Nov 10, 2025, 12:08 PM UTC

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