I've always had a certain amount of fascination with photographs. Not so much a fascination with the photo itself, as much as the story behind it. Why was the picture taken? What made the person decide that THIS was the picture they wanted to take? When viewing a picture, I may not think about these questions consciously, but it's definitely what makes me pause at certain photographic treasures I find.
Pictures can be a way of expression, a way of keeping memories, or even just a way to treasure something dear to you. I didn't take many pictures growing up. I didn't have my picture taken a lot growing up. And as I have grown older, I've come to realize how much I wish that wasn't the case.
About a year ago I bought my first "nice" camera. But I realized that I haven't had much use of it outside of large gatherings with friends or family. Which is why I started this project for myself. I wanted to use my camera more, and I want to be able to share the pictures I'm taking in a more creative way than any facebook album or photo box ever could.
I don't think I really view pictures or photographs in the same sense that most other people do, and I've never been able to put into words how I view them. So, because I lack this skill, I want to share some quotes from the movie "One Hour Photo" which starred Robin Williams. Up to date, they are the closest I've found my thoughts in word form.
"Family photos depict smiling faces... births, weddings, holidays... Children's birthday parties. People take pictures of the happy moments in their lives. Someone looking through our photo album would conclude that we had led a joyous, leisurely existence... free of tragedy. No one ever takes a photograph of something they want to forget."
"I'm sure my customers never think about it... but these snapshots are their little stands against the flow of time. The shutter is clicked...the flash goes off... and they've stopped time... if just for the blink of an eye. And if these pictures have anything important to say to future generations, it's this... "I was here. I existed. I was young. I was happy...and someone cared enough about me in this world to take my picture.'"
"Most people don't take snapshots of the little things... the used Band-Aid...the guy at the gas station... the wasp on the Jell-O... but these are the things that make up the true picture of our lives. People don't take pictures of these things."
It's my hope that over this year, I'll be able to share photos and stories. Things I've learned, or continue to explore. Things I've found interesting or thought provoking. Hopefully, others will join in this with me, and share they're own stories as well.
With all this said, let the year begin!
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