In April 2015, I joined a four-day photography workshop in the Columbia River Gorge. Our group was based out of a hotel in Portland, with plans to rise early each morning and head out to catch the sunrise at carefully chosen scenic spots. The expectation was simple: early light, dramatic landscapes, unforgettable photos.
My alarm went off at 3:45 a.m. on the first day, and I jumped out of bed with excitement. But instead of the golden light we had envisioned, we were met with gray skies and pouring rain. And it didn’t let up. Day one, day two, day three—rain, rain, and more rain. Colorless skies. Wet gear. Soggy spirits.
Still, we pushed through. Each day we spent 9–10 hours out in the field, exploring the Gorge and trying our best to create images in less-than-ideal conditions. In the evenings, we returned to the hotel for dinner and group photo reviews. It was a demanding, exhausting schedule.
By day four, I was running on empty—tired, frustrated, and disheartened. I seriously considered skipping the final early morning outing. Surely, it would just be more rain. When our workshop leader reminded us to be in the lobby at 4:30 a.m., the room filled with groans. That’s when he said something that stuck with me:
“You won’t know if you don’t go.”
So… we went.
That morning, standing at the Portland Women’s Forum Scenic Viewpoint, we witnessed a sunrise that was pure magic. Bold streaks of pink and purple lit up the sky over the Columbia River Gorge. It was one of the most breathtaking sunrises I’ve ever seen!
What if I had stayed in bed? What if I had missed that?
From that day on, “You won’t know if you don’t go” became my personal motto—not just in photography, but in life. It’s helped me navigate relationships, career changes, and other big decisions. When I hesitate, unsure of what to do, I remind myself that staying still guarantees more of the same. But going? Going opens the door to something unknown or unexpected.
In photography, most of my images come from simply being out there—wherever my camera and curiosity take me. I rarely have a specific plan. I just go, never knowing what I’ll find.
That’s why I’ve decided to rename my Substack to reflect this mantra. I’m confident that most of the photos and stories I share here will live within that spirit: curious, open, adventurous. And often leading to delightful surprises!
Because you won’t know… if you don’t go.
A few of my photos taken during that workshop, in the rain!
© 2025 Jann Ledbetter. All photographs and written content are original works. Please do not reproduce without permission.
These photos are breathtaking! What a great mantra.