Ohio Color Photo
On Photography By Dagmar
Nothing beats that feeling of anticipation when you get your newly developed roll of film back and the photos meet or surpass your expectations. It’s that wonderful feeling of capturing and transcending reality. Photography has the potential of connecting you with your innermost sacred ground. And isn’t that one of the things life’s about anyway? To get beyond ourselves, reach toward the inner self and find truth.
These are lofty ideals for a mere piece of metal, glass and plastic to achieve. Transcending self through photography can be done because the nature of photography is one of recording reality and with a little vision, turning it into art. Photography is a unique blend of a person’s identity and art. A person can take pictures and with a little guidance create ../images that rise into the realm of soulful communication.
My purpose is to help develop awareness of the very special quality of photography as a tool of personal transformation. Developing the creative side in us opens a door to our inner selves. The more we know self, the more we know others. Then all humanity benefits.
The camera is a means to make an image that has never been made before. It is purposeless to learn the technical data of F-stops, depth of field, and shutter speeds without learning first how to see. What good is knowing how to take a perfectly exposed picture if it is not memorable or worth looking at? On the other side of the issue, any photographer would be frustrated at having a picture in mind and not be able to produce it the way it is mentally seen or felt.
A few simple photo facts will get you started. Then begin to practice listening to the inner voice. As a person builds more knowledge about photography, there will be more tools in the toolbox. Ability to create more will be expanded. If possible, start taking pictures every weekend. Keep the camera ready and loaded. Fishermen all have their stories about “The big one that got away.” Photographers have them, too. Don’t be one of them.
I keep a small point and shoot 35mm camera with a built in flash ready in the dining room for quick shots around the house. This camera is for moments you don’t want to miss, like the puppy trying to get her nose into the refrigerator. One person out of eight owns a dog, so how about those antics your dog does captured on film? I have an eight-week-old Rotweiller who thinks the world is one big chew toy. She has quite a shoe collection and isn’t shy posing.
In my camera bag, I keep a Minolta 35mm camera with various lenses and a Hasselblad for field trips around Youngstown, Mill Creek Park, rides in the country and to Lake Erie. I have my rolls printed on contact sheets then store them with the negatives in a notebook. Then when a photo exhibit or contest opportunity comes along, the pictures are ready for selection and I don’t have to hit the panic button in a search for the negatives. I suggest you keep a file of your own favorites.
Community Fairs have fun filled photo exhibits for both the amateur and professional. I suggest you include it on your recreational menu. And don’t forget the Local Art Galleries being to great photo exhibits and competitions on various themes.
Good luck, see you at the fair, and happy shooting!