Are you curious? I am, and I think that’s a good thing. It makes me want to photograph events I think might be interesting. While I don’t know if they will be a bust, usually there are some pleasant surprises, even if most of them are snooze city. Why? Because I’m curious and open to whatever comes along … and I look a lot.
Same thing goes with photographing when I’m just out and about. I think too many people go out looking for things in particular and that’s the problem. If they don’t find any of those things then no pictures and the outing is a bust. I take the opposite approach when on a walkabout .. I have no plans at all! I’m just looking for things I find interesting. Again, this can lead to some pleasant surprises. Why? Same reason as above. Because I’m curious and open to whatever comes along … and I look a lot.
It turns out for me curiosity is really a good thing for everything I do. Unlike most people, I’ve never had a life plan. Nope. I’ve gone where things have taken me, careerwise and otherwise, and curiosity was an important contributor to all of it. I feel I’ve lived a very entertaining and charmed life and wouldn’t change a thing! And while I am not financially wealthy, I am in so many other ways that matter much more to me.
Curiosity … think of it as a powerful antidote to boredom and the mundane, and an essential contributor to fulfillment and happiness … in photography … and life.
Stay well,
Michael
Yes, this idea seems good. Shoot what strikes your fancy. But I am not sure I would want to do this with film. On the other hand, carrying a camera, especially an old 35mm or 120 may get a reaction. And then Bingo – there could be a good shot. And yesterday walking across a parking lot three young women spied my Pentax MX camera and I got a pic. Then they wanted to see the camera’s back, and . . . .oh, well. But at least a couple of weeks ago I had a damn card made so I gave it. Now it’s up to them — to get a print.And this sort of reminds what Diane Arbus said about a camera. And, even what Alfred Eisenstdaedt remarked: “When I have a camera in my hand I know no fear”
Paul,
Welcome and thanks for checking in! It does work with film for me! Please note that I’m not suggesting to just fire away willy nilly. Not at all, but rather not to be so locked in to something else that you miss out on wonderful opportunities. Give it a try and see what you think.
Best,
Michael
Walking around Congress Ave in Boynton Beach the sewage canals have often intrigued. But still, for me, film is for the flesh. I have an OM-D camera and while I think the results are flat, digital seems to lack a kind of depth (not of field but of something else) I could use it. Got about twelve hundred in that little baby.
On the other hand, with the 35mm I did take a photo of some leaves and after a rain, beloved rain for a rainy day man, and there were white blossoms on the lawn at Harbor’s Edge, snapped too. But that was with XP2, which I would rather send off than do myself, even though some people can process that in B&W chemistry, with excellent results, I’ve read But maybe do it. But your point, Michael, is well taken, I guess, Even in boring Palm Beach County there could be pictures.
“The pictures are there, and you just take them.” — Robert Capa
Thanks Paul. I’ve taken students for walkabouts in Doylestown where I live. There are always pictures to be had no matter where you are. Check out my blog entries for my “Two Hour Rule”!!
Best,
Michael
Yes, read about the two hour rule. I have an hours rule too. About 36 if you include getting to airports early.
Haha!
Best,
Michael