Dancing in the light: hiding in the shadows
My parents introduced me to photography by showing me both candid and posed pictures. Back then, we had one camera for the family. It took film, and both the film and the developing cost, a lot. The idea of multiple selfies didn't enter their imagination. But the concept of recording the moment did.
Making history
I don't know who took the picture of my mother smiling as she milked a cow. Nor of young parents with their progeny. Or of my father in his business. But I'm thankful that they did. Moments frozen in time. Moments that can be shared over and over again and bring smiles to the faces of those who will never meet the ones in the photos, in this life.
Going deeper
Photography literally means to write with light. I hope you can see light that stirs your heart and mind in many different directions. Dance with light as your partner and listen to the sound of colours. Our human eyes can only perceive a narrow range of the spectrum. But even in this narrow slice, we have been gifted with the opportunity to see wondrous things that we had not imagined. Enter into this realm and discover or rediscover how to be filled with awe and the joy of each moment.
Become aware of your surrounding
Remember how folks use hidden cameras to observe wildlife? In the same way, we want to be able to blend into the background, hide in the shadows so that we don't disturb the ongoing activity. This allows others to take center stage, neither performing for the camera or being nervous that they will make some blunder.
Years ago, I worked as a photographer in a portrait studio of a local, large department store. I still remember the well-dressed family who came in wanting their pictures taken. As my colleague prepared for the sitting, I heard the mother snap at the children, "Now, smile just like we practiced." I cringed and was glad that my colleague was taking that session.
Who demands that their children practice smiling? Not my parents. Yes, they wanted us to smile, but it was never practiced. What this woman failed to realize is that a photograph can capture a forced smile. It lacks the sparkle of the genuine one.
Embrace Alternatives
Better yet, are the poignant pictures that capture the moment such as one smiling at a teddy bear or looking back at someone they love and appreciate. These shadow moments should not be interrupted by posing or drawing attention to the photographer. Observe. Cherish. Record. Treasure the opportunities given.
This site has been developed to help people better capture those glimpses into others and our environment.
Most of us are not professional photographers. The bulk grab shots on their phones and consider this sufficient. I understand the convenience of this. But perhaps, we should look at becoming a little more skilled with this as well.
The Chef and the Baker
Learning photography may seem like a daunting task, but in many ways, it resembles cooking. I have made bread with toddlers and have no reluctance to allowing them to “play” with my DSLR, with supervision of course. Both have been nurturing times.
But I don’t give them my phone. Too many folks have had sad experiences from doing this…they purchase online, they can lock us out, and so many other things. But to sit back with them and say, “Do you see that tiny toad?” Capture it in a picture. Then share it. Ah, just like fresh baked bread. If tasks are broken down into doable bits, the process can be learned. And no, I do not make pastry with toddlers, that would not be age appropriate, nor would I give them an action camera. Afterall, do you want them to take a video of you in the loo?
Putting scaffolding in place
As we grow this site, we hope to include a wide range of articles. Some will discuss concepts such as lighting, color and composition. Others will be product reviews to better inform our readers about what is available. Still others will talk about history. And then there are the myriad ways in which photography intersects with other areas such as the uses of edible inks and paper. So much to learn. So much that can be done. So much wonder that surrounds us.
Join in
Whether you’re dancing in the light, capturing the essence of the moment or waiting quietly in the shadows for that perfect shot, come share with us on this journey of discovery.