Part of the thrill of working on long term photographic projects is the fun they create. I’m not talking about getting that amazing once-in-a-lifetime-oh-my-gawd-you-have-got-to-see-this! shot. Rather I’m talking about the situations these projects draw us into, quite by accident.
I liken this to the adventure along the way that a backpacking trip might create. Or much the same with a road trip; that feeling of not quite meandering aimlessly along backcountry roads, but the adventure that happens if you give yourself enough time to pay attention to your surroundings as you head toward your destination.
This very thing has happened to me on numerous occasions as I work on my varying projects. I’ve discovered a fun local band called “Los Garapatas” (“The Ticks”) while shooting a Matanza (a traditional Hispanic pig roast), I’ve stumbled across polo players in the mountains of SouthWestern New Mexico, I’m been on a mountain top at dawn, I’ve eaten pie in Pie Town, and I’ve spent an enjoyable day watching a high school baseball double header this past weekend between two teams vying for the district championships. Good stuff! A perfectly enjoyable day. And my camera took me there.
What have you discovered as you chased that once-in-a-lifetime shot? What have you enjoyed that you would have enjoyed without the camera, but it was the camera that took you there? After all, life is what happens to us while we’re busy making other plans (or making pictures.)
So very true Brian. For me: Magnum Workshops, tug boats, and just maybe… New Mexico? 😉
Love your shot above – talk about a posture that articulates!
Oh yes, NM2012! Amazing what photography will do… 🙂
Well, if I count everything that has happened to me during 3 years of being a nomad and making pictures the list is miles long…and includes some new awesome friends around the world. Basically it includes the entire world.
And soon it’ll include NM2012 🙂
Well, Flemming, that is a whole bunch of yummy goodness brought to you through photography! I hope it continues and continues for you. NM2012, you better believe it: I’ve got my eye on a nice batch of green chile for you!
One of the most unexpected things that has come from this love affair with photography has been meeting people who have become some of my closest friends. It is more than just a camera or even photography that brings us together. It is the way in which we see and want to see the world become and by “see” I mean our perspective. That has opened my world to things I never imagined and I am very grateful…and happy!
Isn’t it funny what a little harmless obsession can do? Love it! There really are some absolutely wonderful people involved in this endeavor and I just love meeting as many of them as well!
I’d have to agree about meeting people, but the meetings for me have been virtual. I’ve found some great people online who share my love of photography. Being a homeschooling mom of six who doesn’t get out much, that works just fine for me. In the real world, photography has gotten me out of the house more. I’ve been exploring the small towns in my area and finding lots of great places to photograph.
Wow, Cheryl. That sure sounds like one busy life! 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to drop by and leave comments. It really is amazing where the camera can take us, isn’t it?