Recently I met up with my friend, his wife and their engaging 14-year-old daughter to give her some pointers for making photographs. She used an iPhone like most young adults her age. No surprise there, but no problem either. She was hungry to learn and listened carefully. We walked around Doylestown and she began to make photographs as I told her to look for things she would normally pass by without giving a thought, pointed out some interesting possibilities, gave her some ideas about framing the subject and talked about light.  All and all a very pleasant and rewarding afternoon!

One of the nicest gifts I’ve ever received was a hand written card that arrived in the mail, accompanied by a small color abstract image she made that day and later printed on her father’s printer. I was touched by the words she wrote and impressed by the image she made.  My new friend has since had become the proud owner of a film camera (care of her very thoughtful parents) and is making color and black and white photographs with … you guessed it … film!

It’s always nice to know you somehow made an impact on someone’s life, made all the more special when that person actually takes the time to thank you in a way not delivered by a text message.

I am excited about her enthusiasm, and look forward to the opportunity to photograph wither her again and see more of her work!