The Journey of a Thousand Words

I adore photography.  I truly do.  I remember when I was planning my wedding, my parents told me to make a list of things I wanted if I had my budget-less dream party.  They then asked me to pick the one thing on the list that meant the most to me; the one thing I wouldn't/couldn't compromise on.  I picked photography.

I will never regret that decision because, to me, photography is the most important.  It was the one thing that would remain after the cake was eaten, the presents opened and life resumed. Twenty years from now I want to have the opportunity to relive my wedding day.  I will want to be reminded of the details and love that surrounded us.  My pictures will do that.

There can be so much power in photo and, when it's done right,  it can take your breath away.  A great example would be the still shots that come out of photojournalism.  It always amazes me that such powerful emotion could be captured in a split second and then translate so well.  MSNBC produces a weekly slideshow of some of the best.  There is just something about a non-posed picture that really captures the essence of the subject matter.  It makes me question and it makes me think.  It's just that when you capture someone/something "in the moment," no amount of planning can duplicate that on demand.



Photo Credit: "Fax, Colour, Xerox, STD and ISD" by Robert

Although I claim photojournalism is my favorite, it is very closely rivaled by two additional genres: macro photography and landscape photography.  In simple terms, macro photography is in the details.  It's pictures encompass texture and color like no other.  I love the change in perspective.  It's too often that we see only the big picture.  Everyone has seen a field of grass, but have not everyone has taken the time to look at just one blade of it.  It's beautiful.  It's in the details that I can begin to marvel at the world that has been created for us.  It's the puzzle pieces of life that make up the whole.  The words that create the sentence.



Photo Credit: "Tower" by Brett Cowling

Speaking of the world that was created for us .. landscape photography.  Pictures of the world around us.  We move so fast that we can lose the impact of what surrounds us.  Our world is beautiful and when you look at it through the lens of a camera you begin to see things you never would have before.  The narrowed perspective allows you to experience gradation in color, pattern and texture.  It forces you to pick the best viewing angle and let's you appreciate things for what they are.  It's peaceful and soul-grounding.


Photo Credit:  "Elgol, Isle of Skye" by James Blond

Am I a photographer? No.  Did I miss my calling? Perhaps.  I don't believe you have to be a professional to enjoy the art.  It only takes one tool and an imagination.  I have loved photography for as long as I remember and I have always lived vicariously through others.  I am blessed to be surrounded by many artists in my life so I am constantly being enriched through creativity. 

My husband, for one, is very talented.  We have a gallery spread in our guest room "introducing" our company to our home.  It is a series of macros taken around the house.  I like to refer to it as a deconstructed home tour.  I. Love. It. 

Surprisingly enough, even though we both share the adoration, we have yet to invest in proper equipment.  Up until now we have simply sufficed with two basic point-and-shoots, two surprisingly-decent camera phones and Photoshop.  It's worked up until now but we have realized we need more.  It's time to be grown-ups and it's time to invest in better.

That brings us to the question: What will we get?  After weighing our options, and taking into consideration that we really aren't professionals and this is simply a hobby, we have decided on the Sony A35 DSLR.


Exhibit A

Mark has a nice Sony film camera he received in high school.  It's a great camera but too antiquated.  Since he took care of it, the lenses are in great condition.  We basically wanted to find a new body and that's why we landed on the A35.  I am hoping we will get this for Christmas which means my pictorial blogging will improve greatly in the new year.

Are you a photographer?  Do you enjoy it as a professional or a hobbyist?  What are your thoughts of the A35?  What are your favorite subjects to shoot? I would love to hear your comments.