One of the things I learned when I picked up a camera to begin my journey as a photographer is that one of the unavoidable aspects of the art form is a certain distance. Photojournalists require it. Often it is the only way they can deal with the terrible images they are called to record. But even for a simple landscape photographer like me, there is a "step back" that I can not avoid as I look through my viewfinder. The camera narrows my vision, requiring me to see a smaller version of the great wide world. In that way, it also brings me more deeply into the world that is before me. The art and craft of photography is a subtle and complex calling.
I’m sad my daughter didn’t get a picture of you lugging books with Little Miss Peanut, but am delighted that was such a special moment for you. That little girl certainly loves her aunt!!!
You did an awesome job at Manakin Episcopal this past week!! Everyone enjoyed your presentation!! Please come again! I just finished listening to the Seven Sisters by Lucinda Riley…the whole series actually with another book out in September. You might like it.
Elizabeth-- first, that new title is truly awesome. Can't wait to read your book.
Larry discovered photography as a hobby in college and his Minolta plus cumbersome bag of assorted lenses accompanied us everywhere for decades. His slides were artist quality but he transitioned to, of all things, disposable cameras before he got his Canon digital in 2008. His eye created amazing pics with his disposable in Spain! We competed for a while when I used my Android phone cameras which impressed him.
I often asked him to engage more in the moment rather than setting up perfect shots. I believe that's why he never replaced his beloved Minolta after he dropped it.
Your article today came just as I was reflecting on why I am driven to capture sunsets almost daily from my wonderful vantage in the Bay. My pics are legion. Reviewing, cataloging and saving are another consumer activity I realize.
Oh, but the rich variety of colors, the infinite array of cloud formations across the sky canvas --I want to be able to see them repeatedly. Yet it can become an idol as well. There's the rub.
As you know I have become an avid iphone photographer in recent years. I was never previously interested in photography but taking pictures, especially landscapes, and the follow-on photo editing has enabled me to find an artistic side I did not know existed. It also allows me to share my passions of travel and hiking with others. I also adore looking at other people's photos. These last two weeks I have been enjoying all the back to school and college drop off photos. And don't even get me started on how much I love pet pictures. I've also been inspired to visit places I would not have otherwise thought of from seeing other people's photos. In short, photos are the shining light of social media.
My kids often tell me to put down my camera and save the moment in my mind. I love photos though, especially looking back. The shoebox of pictures from my childhood is one of my greatest treasures.
One thing that always surprises me is the grace I have for my past self that I lack in pictures I have just taken. I am less likely to pick myself apart a few years later. Interesting how that happens.
I share your photo-privilege frustration! Thrilled to hear about your photo shoot, the new title, and all the good things coming down the pike for you!!
As a photographer, I really enjoyed reading your reflections on this topic. I do think I was initially drawn the art of photography because it allowed me to feel more present in the moment when I had my camera in hand. I needed to pay more attention to all the little details, the way the branches are shaped, the way the light is falling, the expression on someone's face, the colors of the flowers or whatever is happening. I can easily get lost in my own thoughts and think about the past or the future, but with my camera I have to be very present in the here and now. There is a sense of gratitude in each picture I take, because each image is something I thought was worth remembering and something that I found beautiful.
One of the things I learned when I picked up a camera to begin my journey as a photographer is that one of the unavoidable aspects of the art form is a certain distance. Photojournalists require it. Often it is the only way they can deal with the terrible images they are called to record. But even for a simple landscape photographer like me, there is a "step back" that I can not avoid as I look through my viewfinder. The camera narrows my vision, requiring me to see a smaller version of the great wide world. In that way, it also brings me more deeply into the world that is before me. The art and craft of photography is a subtle and complex calling.
I’m sad my daughter didn’t get a picture of you lugging books with Little Miss Peanut, but am delighted that was such a special moment for you. That little girl certainly loves her aunt!!!
Something I consider as I snap thousands of shots on my travels: they preserve the moment, yes, but do they also interfere with the moment?
The photos are an invaluable writing resource, and I refer back to them again and again. But does my camera dilute the travel experience?
You did an awesome job at Manakin Episcopal this past week!! Everyone enjoyed your presentation!! Please come again! I just finished listening to the Seven Sisters by Lucinda Riley…the whole series actually with another book out in September. You might like it.
Elizabeth-- first, that new title is truly awesome. Can't wait to read your book.
Larry discovered photography as a hobby in college and his Minolta plus cumbersome bag of assorted lenses accompanied us everywhere for decades. His slides were artist quality but he transitioned to, of all things, disposable cameras before he got his Canon digital in 2008. His eye created amazing pics with his disposable in Spain! We competed for a while when I used my Android phone cameras which impressed him.
I often asked him to engage more in the moment rather than setting up perfect shots. I believe that's why he never replaced his beloved Minolta after he dropped it.
Your article today came just as I was reflecting on why I am driven to capture sunsets almost daily from my wonderful vantage in the Bay. My pics are legion. Reviewing, cataloging and saving are another consumer activity I realize.
Oh, but the rich variety of colors, the infinite array of cloud formations across the sky canvas --I want to be able to see them repeatedly. Yet it can become an idol as well. There's the rub.
As you know I have become an avid iphone photographer in recent years. I was never previously interested in photography but taking pictures, especially landscapes, and the follow-on photo editing has enabled me to find an artistic side I did not know existed. It also allows me to share my passions of travel and hiking with others. I also adore looking at other people's photos. These last two weeks I have been enjoying all the back to school and college drop off photos. And don't even get me started on how much I love pet pictures. I've also been inspired to visit places I would not have otherwise thought of from seeing other people's photos. In short, photos are the shining light of social media.
My kids often tell me to put down my camera and save the moment in my mind. I love photos though, especially looking back. The shoebox of pictures from my childhood is one of my greatest treasures.
One thing that always surprises me is the grace I have for my past self that I lack in pictures I have just taken. I am less likely to pick myself apart a few years later. Interesting how that happens.
I share your photo-privilege frustration! Thrilled to hear about your photo shoot, the new title, and all the good things coming down the pike for you!!
As a photographer, I really enjoyed reading your reflections on this topic. I do think I was initially drawn the art of photography because it allowed me to feel more present in the moment when I had my camera in hand. I needed to pay more attention to all the little details, the way the branches are shaped, the way the light is falling, the expression on someone's face, the colors of the flowers or whatever is happening. I can easily get lost in my own thoughts and think about the past or the future, but with my camera I have to be very present in the here and now. There is a sense of gratitude in each picture I take, because each image is something I thought was worth remembering and something that I found beautiful.