white petals when I talk about those that are clinging to that life force. The whole time I was manipulating the flowers, trying to find just the right angle in which to photograph them, not one petal dropped. It was as though their story was not over yet. It was as though they were saying to me, "I am worthy of a picture. I am still beautiful, with all my scars and in my old age." I, then, found this angle and click the shutter. I saw the beauty, and I understood Wabi Sabi.
 Something I do, when I'm not out with my camera, is watch YouTube videos about photography, and it can get very easy to become fascinated by other photographer's cameras. "This camera can to this and that camera can do that!" It doesn't seem to matter if it is a film camera or the latest and greatest, the photographers can make their gear seem so appealing! But have you really explored your camera? Do you know all the features of your camera? For instance, currently, there are a lot of photographers using film cameras. I, personally, choose not to use film (because I'm vegan), but I'm drawn to that style of photography. So, I learned that my camera works with old, vintage, manual lenses (as well as new manual lenses). I adapted a lens from a film camera to work with my Sony camera. Now, I have a lens in which I have control of the aperture on the ring and the focus on the ring--just like a film camera. I can chose to turn off my LCD screen, if I wish, and just use the viewfinder--no previewing what the pictures will look like. Now, I know this isn't exactly the same as film, but it is close enough to solve my need for a new camera. My point is that I played with my camera. I explored its features and learned new things about it. I think too many times, we get bored with our cameras, before we've really even discovered all that they can do. We want to move on. I challenge to discover a new feature on your camera and learn how to use it. Go on YouTube and search for your cameras make and model. You'll be surprised at how many videos have been made with your camera. See what you can learn. That go out and have fun with what you have!  This past June, I had the pleasure of going out to East Point Lighthouse, in Heislerville NJ, with my local photography club to learn about making photos with star trails. It was my first attempt at star trails--as it was for most of the group, and we had a great time! We stood in the grass, taking hundreds of pictures (that all looked the same), and getting bit by an equal amount of mosquitos! Over the two hours that we took pictures for the star trails, we had time to talk to each other. Some of us made small talk, others had meaningful conversations, but we all made new friends! I'm telling you this to stress the importance of joining your local photography club. Your local club is a wealth of information. No matter your skill level there are things to gain--information, connections and friendships! Believe it or not, I tend to be shy--especially around people I don't know, so it has taken me a LONG time to start to open up to this very special group of people. I made it a goal to participate, and now I am enjoying my time immensely. I encourage you. Find your local club and attend their meetings. You'll be glad you did. |
What Is This Page?Since I love photography and teaching, I thought I would start a Blog page and share how I take my images, what I was thinking and about me. Categories
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