Family | Leica M-E, Leica Summilux-M 35mm
My friend Don just posted an illuminating article that made me think about my own personal photography work. I do my best to always have my camera with me, not just with me in its bag, but strapped across my chest or hanging off my shoulder whether while driving in the car or shopping in grocery store.
I try to make a photograph every day but sometimes I’m not in the mood or the scenery I see does not warrant me actuating the shutter. So it bothers me sometimes that maybe I should be “taking” more photographs to “make” one that I like.
Well after reading Don’s post has helped give me some relief as its not the quantity per say but that one image that forms instantly in your mind as you bring the camera to your eye. When the light is just right, when everything begins to align that says make this picture. And in my mind as I make the photograph, I’ve already made a plan on how that one image will be processed in my computer’s darkroom.
Thanks Don for sharing your thoughts and I hope you don’t mind me sharing. (Some Memories about Photography & Ding McNulty)
Duane Pandorf Photography 
I used to worry about not taking a photo each day or sometimes several days thinking that my skill would degrade or I would lose interest. I’ve since gotten over that feeling and simply realized that there aren’t always moments to be photographed. For me, especially in regards to street photography, part of the joy is the “waiting game”. You can’t force a scene to unfold. When the right moment occurs, I’m as prepared as I can be to get the shot. Also, I don’t want to just take pictures of randomness or images that tell the viewer very little.
Cheers,
Mike
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Thanks for stopping by Mike. I, myself, am not too comfortable in the street shooting. However, I enjoy seeing what others can do. I just thought Don made a lot of sense in his epiphany early on in his photography.
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Always have a camera ready, I’m trying to keep that as a New Years resolution. Making better photographs is a given.
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Hi Greg, its not easy to always have your camera with you but once you get in to the habit, at least I do, I feel naked without it. I find it interesting when I walk into a shop and I get curious looks as I never see anyone carrying a camera unless I’m in a tourist area.
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Hi Duane,
Been looking at your blog and pictures for two weeks now and I like them very much. You make the M-E ‘sing’ for you. I like the processing and your daily choice of what to photograph/present. And what subjects are more important than the ones that are close to you. This family shot has nice feel to it. I also like the composition and the colors. It works.
Thanks for the link to Don’s story. Very valuable advice and great that you shared it. Thinking about your shots is always important and shooting partly Analog in these digital times helps me be more selective. But at the same time I want to shoot on the street when it feels like i have to take the shot even if i don’t ‘know’ why. I also love the surprises when checking the shots at the end of the day/roll.
Regards,
Roel
P.s. understand you are going back to the city now. Will be interesting to see your shots in the city and maybe street!
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Thanks for stopping by Roel. I don’t know if my “city” street shots will be what you may be expecting as my town of Brevard is very small as in around 5,000 citizens. It will be a little boring compared to what I see in your Flickr stream!
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If you have the camera on you all the time you might as well use it Duane. ;o)
I’m sure it will not be boring. And you will make the good people of Brevard world famous!
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