My brother bought me my very first camera, along with a radio-alarm clock. Not sure how the two relate, but he presented both to me in my early teens. The alarm clock and I never got to be very good friends, but cameras (there have been a few) and I have been inseparable ever since.
I’m not a professional photographer, and sometimes I don’t know what the heck I’m doing, but that doesn’t stop me from doing something I’m passionate about.
Last year, I took two terrific photography classes, and for awhile, I was so obsessed with snapping perfect images that I forgot about having fun with my camera.
One day, my husband laid that fixation to rest with one simple statement: “Not everything is a photo shoot.” He was right. Not everything is a photo shoot. It’s about capturing moments. Seeing the beauty all around you. And above all, having a good time with something that brings you happiness.
So, I’ve returned to photographing anything and everything without worrying about how perfect – or not – the images turn out.
Every now and then I manage that exceptional image, but even if most of my images are just run of the mill, I’m contented. Because there is nothing run of the mill about being outdoors, surrounded by the stunning and breathtaking sights, sounds and smells the world has to offer.
And there is nothing run of the mill about the peace and tranquility that comes with a hobby that helps me disconnect from every day problems and challenges, and encourages me to slow down and become aware of the beauty around me.
In the end, they are all perfect photo shoots.
Your photos are wonderful, Martha. your passion for it always shines through.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sulky; that's very sweet. I love being out there and freezing these wonderful moments.
DeleteI think that all the arts are similar in that we train and try to perfect the art. In the process, we get so caught up in the "technical" aspects that we forget the joy of the art and it can become lifeless even though it is perfectly "performed". Your photos tell me wonderful stories. That in and of itself is an art regardless of how perfect or imperfect the elements/technical parts of the photographs are. I think it is the same in music, dance, painting/sketching, photography, etc. I agree with Sulky Kitten in that your passion always shines through.
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely right, Cathy, and that explains it perfectly. Getting caught up in the technical aspects and forgetting why this particular art brings us so much joy takes the passion out of the art. And I thank you for the compliment. Photography is something I love, and I don't want to lose of that because of the technical sides of it!
DeleteYour photos always look terrific to me, Martha . . . . love the close-up of the horse!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Debra! Oh those horses...how I love them. I meet so many along the country roads, and most of them run right over to say hello. They are so sweet.
DeleteThose are some awesome pics! LOVE the duck!
ReplyDeleteThat duck literally made my day!
DeleteI greatly enjoy good photography, although I have no talent for it. You definitely do.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Doug. I'm still learning, but having a great time in the meantime!
DeleteYour pictures are always works of art -- you should sell them! That galloping horse would make an awesome poster :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! I've thought about that, and perhaps I will at some point. It sure would be exciting!
Deletegreat shot of the duck
ReplyDeleteA lucky shot!
DeleteYour photos are always terrific! Sometimes the best photos are happy accidents! I love the duck too!
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly right! Some of my best images are happy accidents!
DeleteI love the windmills!
ReplyDeleteThey are spectacular! I've seen them up close and they are huge.
DeleteMartha your passion for photography/taking pictures is inspirational. I can relate to your capturing that moment in time and how wonderful that 'concept' is.....it will never return. Photography like so many other things is so subjective.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE that last shot!!
Yes, it truly is subjective. I think the most important thing is to really love what you are doing. Capturing that moment in time brings me a lot of joy. I look through my images sometimes and remember places I've been to and things I've seen. So many wonderful moments.
DeleteWhat exquisite pictures, Martha! I'm so glad that you have passion that you share, because we all benefit from the photos you take. I just have a point and shoot camera, because I don't have the patience for all the lenses and filters and whatnots. I think its awesome that you just go for it and photograph anything that catches your eye. I always think of the basic image as a starting place and have fun cropping and sharpening to make it the best I can. Keep snapping! I apologize ~ I'm playing catchup again! Life!!!
ReplyDeleteNo need to apologize! Life keeps us busy. There are blogs I'm falling behind on. Some I visit and don't comment. Some I don't visit for days. That's just the way it is. Your point and shoot camera is just fine. It's not the camera that does the job, after all, it's you! If you have the passion for it, the pictures will come, no matter what the instrument used.
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