Camera Vision

This entry was published at least two years ago (originally posted on May 7, 2006). Since that time the information may have become outdated or my beliefs may have changed (in general, assume a more open and liberal current viewpoint). A fuller disclaimer is available.

Wow. Tim, whom I’ve known for a few years now, left an incredible compliment on one of the photos I posted a couple days ago. I’m reposting it here because I’m floored, and I want to make sure it doesn’t disappear into the void. That, and it’s good for my ego. ;)

Speaking as a professional amateur photographer (or would that be amateur professional?) I must comment on the quality of your work. The fact of the matter is it just keeps getting better and better. Who knew you had such an artistic eye? I always had you pegged as a computer geek that wanted to be a photographer which I found rather funny considering I’m a photographer that want’s to be a computer geek.

And don’t for one second think (or be lead to believe) that the shiny new camera has anything to do with it. It does not. Not any more than a new set of pots and pans would suddenly make you a great cook. They may make you want to spend more time in the kitchen as I’m sure the new camera makes you want to go out and take more pictures but the underlying talent, the artistic eye, was there long ago.

And its that eye of which I speak. There comes a time in every photographers life where they make a switch they stop looking at things with standard vision and start looking at things the way camera would. Camera vision is what my friend called it when he was talking to me so many years ago.

The best way I know how to explain it is when you are learning another language. For a long time when people speak to you in the new language you hear what they say and your brain translates it to english for you. But there comes a time where when you hear the new language it doesn’t need to be translated in your brain, you just know it. And its on that day when you can proudly say, I speak two languages.

Camera vision is like that, you stop thinking about the shot and just take it. And as it was once said to me, I now say say it to you.

You have Camera vision.

And it shows.

Again — wow. Thanks, Tim.

iTunesMinnie the Moocher” by Blues Brothers, The feat. Calloway, Cab from the album Blues Brothers, The (1980, 3:25).

3 thoughts on “Camera Vision”

  1. I also agree. I have withheld commentary as it could seem as if I am just a “proud dad,” which, of course, I am as well. It is also true I think you have a lot of native talent, Mike.

  2. Funny with a CTY riff at the moment. Did you get the NPR article from Dad? CTY appears to have been very new when you were there, as the article states it started about 20 years ago. You were in the forefront. AND now this “artistic” thing that seems to surprise you. Do you remember Gaye, the artist, who had you drawing the rainbow teapot? (I KNOW you remember her apartment, as they had Pong, and it was a very exciting game for you and Kev to play!) And Ms. Jeska of PACT? That’s Program for the Academic AND CREATIVELY Talented.

    It’s nice you’re getting non-parental accolades!

    How’s the no-smoking-for-a-camera campaign going?

    Love to you & Prairie.

  3. Aw…Gee, I was just trying to say something nice to a friend and you went and put on the front page for all to see….

    There’s no doubt you were creative as a child and I would agree with your Mother 100% that you had a great start on expressing your creativity, which in fact I believe is true for most children.

    The problem lies later in life as we begin to age, school, society and sometimes even parents conspire against us.

    Oh grow up!
    Stop acting like a child!
    Act you age!

    Those and a thousand other statements tell us its time to stop playing and start acting like an adult. And its in “growing up” that we lose all creativity. Stay in the lines, neatness counts. Well not in my book. For me there’s nothing worse than seeing children sitting quietly hands in their laps behaving “properly”.

    Those of us that don’t follow the rules are branded nonconformist’s or worse trouble makers.

    Not only do I believe you colored outside the lines I’m willing to bet Mom and Dad encouraged you to do what you thought was right! And its that freedom, that willingness to let you explore on your own that frees you from societies norm.

    So a tip of the hat to Mom and Dad who planted the seed of creativity and carefully nurtured it all those years. It would seem that all that hard work is paying off because your just starting to bloom. And as the old saying goes….

    The best is yet to come.

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