Photos I Wish I Had Made

I don't have many regrets in my life, but there are some photo opportunities that I had that I didn't take advantage of that I wish I had. Some of them I was caught up in the moment, some I was without my camera, and some it just didn't occur to me that I should have documented it until much later. Without question, I wish I had seen the merit of documenting my mom's struggle with leukemia. I think now that it would have been helpful for some families that have or are struggling with cancer to have seen what she endured. And I think it would have given me a way to look back and grieve soon than I allowed myself to do. When you go through that experience in your life, you compartmentalize it and don't allow yourself the really process what you are going through because you are on always focusing on the end result- remission. I wish I had made those images...

"That Camera Takes Good Pictures"

If I only had a dime for every time I've heard that since I've become a photography teacher, I would be retired by now! So I just smile and say "Yes, some really fine images have come from that camera."  The truth of the matter is it's not the camera, it's the person who stands behind the camera that's creating those images. I even have a real-life example of how that is really true. I have a friend that is now a retired professional photographer that once made an exquisite panorama image of the skyline of Rome at sunset on a throw-away panoramic film camera. That image went on to win awards in professional competitions. So you see, for me, it's not the camera but the knowledge of the person making the image that really controls the finished image.
Once you know and understand how a camera works, are aware of lighting, consider composition and depth of field, you can make it work with any camera anyone hands you.
If you feel confident about these things, you don't ever need feel intimidated by those fancy high-end cameras you see around you. Chances are many of them are using the "Auto" setting anyway!
#photography, #camera, #goodpictures