I stood with my camera in front of the store window displaying mannequins wearing costume wigs and wondered what photographic possibility there might be. I had been dragged there by my photographer friend, Abigail, who had the greatest enthusiasm for this jaunt. We were exploring a theme for a photo competition and I had just walked away from my nicely controlled world of commercial photography.
Photography, for me, is a solitary and personal pursuit, and getting myself in gear to make fresh images can be a job. Then along comes Abigail to show me new possibilities. I put my eye to the camera and began to move around that store window, framing and finding juxtapositions I would never have seen outside the lens. Within minutes, I was immersed and excited – and came away with images I would never have imagined when I began.
You may be a great self starter, the Lone Shooter, but I have found that my friends have pointed me into some of my most progressive photo sessions.
Jill could not have been more insistent that the graveyard in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico on the Dia de los Muertos would be a treasure of photographic possibilities. I was going along for the ride. As with any photographic study, I took a bit of time to soak in the atmosphere and warm up to what I was seeing. The people swarmed, the grave sites were brightly decorated and there was a carnival environment. Soon I was seeing the dance, the visual stories to tell, and began to develop my shooting technique.
Jill once told me a story about her good friend, Raul Touzon, a prominent and very creative National Geographic photographer who said that he picks up his camera every day, even if it is to go into the back yard and look for pictures. It is always important for Raul to exercise his creative eye.
I found myself back in the commercial world of annual report photography when Abigail called again to say there’s a car show we must attend and shoot. Rows of hot rods, throngs of people and the Beach Boys singing “She’s real fine, my 409”. Again, I explored and became lost in the details and impressions. Thanks, Abigail – you always open my eyes.
I’m in great appreciation to my tribe who have generously shown me new photographic vistas. Imagine, explore, experiment, but most importantly, get out there and shoot with … or without a little help from your friends.
