So today I am at a cabin in the Uintah Mountains. Of late I have been focusing a lot on my photography. Working on trying to get more and more business. Trying to find models and people who would be willing to have me take their picture. I think a lot of people view pictures and such differently than I do.
Growing up, my family did not have a lot of pictures taken. I can remember a handful of photos that were taken of me, these generally being school pictures or weddings. As I have thought about this, I have come to the conclusion that this is really what people think about photography, an event or something to remember.
Several years ago, my father gave me my first experience with Digital SLR. We went on a “photo safari” across the state of Washington. We went to the backside of Mount Ranier, and there in the rainforest, yes there is a natural rainforest on the backside of the mountain, I fell in love with photography. He gave me his old Canon Rebel, under the pretense that he wanted a new one, which he got the 5D Mark II, and since then, I have fallen more and more each day in love with the art.
As I ponder more and more on my story, I am trying to look inward on why I love it so much. Over the last few days, I have been pondering this, and now, as I sit the table in the cabin, eating Cinnamon Toast crunch, I have a moment to reflect on this. I seek to answer the proverbial question: Why do I do this? What motivates me?
Why do I do this?
When I first started, I was taking pictures of just about anything I could. Nature was the big theme: Trees, branches, fields, flowers, bees, bugs and insects. I remember, however, that I was focusing more on the composition than on the subject. I was just basically, pointing and shooting. Gradually over time, I came to realize that people were the most intriguing subjects for me. I wanted to shoot people because I love the emotion, feeling and expression that people share. I remember that I went to a parade in North Dakota, and while sitting on the side of the road, taking pictures of the people and cars and things. The people were great. While the parade was going, a 3 person party walked down the street with the nations flag. The men were solemn and gracious. I snapped a shot of a man in a Yellow shirt, a solemn expression on his face, told the story in nothing but his demeanor
While I was still there snapping pictures, just shortly after that man walked passed, a little kid came through in the Wellsfargo Wagon, with his father. He was in the wagon. I snapped a shot and that picture became a favorite of mine as well .
I have slowly come to realize that I love photography people and events. I feel however, that a lot of times what we are missing are sweet and tender moments that pass us by because we are too busy focusing on what is coming next. I think that is what I love most about photography. It gives me a moment to capture those tender moments and hold on to them. Sure, you have to make a living and sustain yourself with photography or some other means, but I think I will focus more on gaining a special moment and capturing it. When I work with models, I want them to feel that this moment is a fun and special moment, not just a moment where they have to work and once it’s over they will get paid. I hope that when I work with someone they will see that I am excited to be taking their picture and that they can share in the excitement as well.
Now, I am definitely not an experienced photographer, but I will get there. I hope that I can share my feelings and excitement with all.
No comments:
Post a Comment