Why Photography?

 
"These are little scraps of magic and when you paste them all together, you get a memory of something fine and strong...."

                                                           Brian Andreas

Kat, over at "The Kat Eye View of the World" challenged those of us taking her course, "Finding Your Eye," to figure out why we shoot pictures. I've been mulling it around in this already overcrowded brain of mine these past few days.

And, I've finally decided, that I'm trying to capture the magic, whether it's an abandoned building with the most gorgeous layers of colors or my grandson't smile.

 
I find myself taking pictures of "things" far more often than people. When I do shoot people (Doesn't that sound awful?), they're family members. I want to capture the babies, my dad as he ages, my husband's grin. It's all going by so terribly fast.

 
The camera helps me to "focus" on all the tiny details of life, especially the ones I could so easily overlook as I rush to get things done. The camera slows me down, gives me a chance to breathe. It gives me a chance to tell my story, and I firmly believe that we need to tell our stories. After all, as someone said, if we don't tell our stories, someone else will.  And, that someone else is going to get it wrong. I want my grandchildren not only to see me as "Baba," but as a woman in her own right as well.

 
Color, line, and texture grab my attention. I don't remember my first camera; it seems as if I've always owned one. And, of course, the first shots were willy nilly. I chopped off heads, for example, and it amuses me not end that what people once told me was a bad shot, is now considered "arty!"

My camera is a natural extension of my arm; it feels right. It feels like it belongs there, and it does.

I need, and need is not too strong a word, to capture the magic of the everyday, to preserve memories, to tell my story. I get lost for hours when I'm shooting. And, even when I'm not, my mind's eye snaps away, framing the magic in my mind.

 

Comments

[Sherry Smyth]

Paula, I think that's an excellent explanation of why photography for you. It's all about capturing those moments we might never have again. And I want this smile...what a doll!!!! xo

[Bev]

What a lovely description of why photography is so important! It is magical! You put in words what I feel about taking pix. And I do more things as well, altho I love tocapture those preciousfamily moments as well!

[Juli]

What a beautiful post, Paula! I love the idea of capturing the magic of everyday! What a wonderful way to express it. That, and the camera is a natural extension of your arm..if feels like it belongs there. There's a confidence and ease..and magic...to that, too! And, it comes across in your images! Great to be sharing this class with you. Looking forward to seeing more of your work!

[Ginny]

What a wonderful way to get to know you. I don't think there is anything more beautiful than a grandchild's smile. Everything they do lights up my life.
Where was the last picture taken? I have a fascination with beautiful places that include water and boats and this looks like one of those places I would love to visit. Looking forward to enjoying this class with you.

[Kat Sloma]

Capturing magic and stories are great internal motivations for capturing images! I love how you mention it slows you down, giving you a chance to breathe. A chance to enjoy the moment. That is one of the beautiful side benefits of photography!

[Jessica -- Living in a Still Life]

I love that last picture -- the windows looking out on the canal...just lovely! Telling stories and preserving memories are such lovely reasons to photograph. I think it's funny too that what was once considered a "bad" shot (like the horizon is tilted) is now artsy! ; )

[koreen photography]

I find it interesting that photographers can have such passion for capturing beauty and meaning, but with such different subjects. It's all in what we see....

[aimee]

Yep, uh-huh, I get it...all of it. Your words echo a lot of my motivation for photographing. And, when you say "even when I'm not, my mind's eye snaps away, framing the magic in my mind" I get that too. That's one of the gifts of the practice I think...it changes the way you see the world - even when you don't have your camera. Thanks so much for sharing. The photo with the ivy...mmm...love it - the colors, the subjects, the composition all come together in such a lovely way.

[Cheryl]

Your first photo of the old church is pure magic!! Wow!
Your statement about how you want your grandchildren to see you brought tears to my eyes. I understand that. I desire to give mine a legacy that might someday inspire them as my Nana has inspired me even though she's been gone for almost 40 years. I have one painting of her's that is pure magic to me...Glad to be in Kat's class with you.

[Kim]

I adore this post. I agree, whole heartedly. My camera has made me look at the ordinary. But an ordinary that I want to remember. I find myself looking at my world around me for the magic and then want to capture it with - I wanted to say film here, but I have now gone digital so I'm not sure what to say - pixels? but that sounds so, well, flakey. Just framing it in my viewfinder, finding the level of focus and exposure (quickly, quickly, for the moment will not wait!!!) has turned my attention inward and that has been a good thing. I used to mourn the darkroom effects but now embrace the way digital has made me able to capture magic.