Bet you don’t know what June 29th was. Another disaster from our nation’s capital? Well, yes, but that’s an everyday occurrence. OK, but how about National Camera Day! I told you about this last year and here we are again. But here is the test. Are you using your camera?
Several weeks ago I was supposed to go to the annual Coney Island Mermaid Parade. Yes, it only happens once a year. Last year I finally got there and it was GREAT. I had a blast and made some wonderful pictures. As the date got closer I was counting down the time. But the week before the big event I got really ill. Bad reaction to the pneumonia shot … don’t tell RFK Jr. … quickly followed by bronchitis, a viral infection and something called vestibular migraine. Things got so bad I was at the doctor twice that week. I desperately wanted to go to Coney Island. One problem. My doctor, who I trust, told me not to go. Apparently, if I disregarded his advice I WOULD be in the emergency room. Given I’m not familiar with the hospitals in Brooklyn, I grudging complied.
Anyway, the whole thing made me think about whether I’m using my camera as much as I should?
I’m much busier at this point in my life with so many other things than I ever thought I’d be. Much more than I thought even a year or two ago. And that’s a good thing. Nevertheless, I want to be using my camera as much as possible. This week I went out and photographed a location I have been thinking about for a while. Even though I think I might have got a keeper or two, it turned out not to be as exciting as I had hoped. We’ll see. However, I had a nice chat with someone who was using a Leica digital camera. He was intrigued with my Mamiya Universal and knew how great film was … but … you know. Always an interesting conversation. And I did come across a used record store and picked up a couple of great LPs for a buck a piece! So, all good!
I have a lot more outings planned for this summer and the rest of the year. And hopefully I’ll have a lot that aren’t planned! I’m counting on it because I know my camera doesn’t do me any good if I’m not using it!
How about you?
Stay well,
Michael
Michael, hopefully all is well health wise. I too need to use my cameras more, everyone should! I’ve promised myself to use my ULF systems more and to that end I’m heading to the rainforests along the Olympic peninsula first of next week. Wish me luck
Jim, Good to hear from you and thanks for your kind wishes. Sounds like a great trip!!! Let’s catch up when you return!
Best,
Michael
IS YOUR CAMERA USING YOU?
Yes, to your health, Michael, and everyone else’s.
“Are you using your camera?”
But what about “Is your camera using you?”
Jean Baudrillard might have phrased the question thusly.
Searching for one of his remarks, “If a thing wants to be photographed, it will,” I could only come up with what is at the bottom.
While Jean Baudrillard died in 2007, his work t is still discussed, is the subject of academic papers and publications . To read him is thought provoking to say the least. What he wrote about and what he predicted has in many ways come to pass. And for those who practice photography, there is much to be had.
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“You think you photograph a particular scene for the pleasure it gives. In fact it’s the scene that wants to be photographed. You’re merely an extra in the production.”
Jean Baudrillard
Paul, thanks for your thoughts … I am nearly back to 100%. I’m not familiar with Jean Baudrillard. Thanks for bringing him to my attention!
Best,
Michael