I cannot consider the aspect of taking the camera for a walk - one, because I drive to and from work; and two, I usually do not go out for lunch. Also three, I cannot technically have a camera at work due to security concerns...
But as I drive around I see 'progress' come along and notice the scenery changing, I think about the lost opportunities to document what used to be.
We have had comments about how certain pictures 'did not do anything for me' or 'this is just a snapshot', but it is often the ordinary shot that has some significance later on down the road.
I have noted this more so once I worked (for three consecutive years) at a Mayan archaeological dig in northern Belize (which reminds me that I need to get back on a site). It is the mundane that carries so much information. I have been to the Leica gallery in NYC quite often. I find that the street photography catches my attention more than the capturing of important moments or people. You are more apt to place yourself in an ordinary shot than one with a politcal or entertainment figure. This is the type of involvement I try to have occur whenever I see an image. Even if it is a 'just' a nature shot, I can still place myself in that field, that mountain top, that valley...
As my area is not truly urban - but then again what is after growing up in NYC? - there is no chance of taking 'street photos' like some can do on this list, but I can think of at least a half dozen places that intrigue me that I would enjoy going out to 'document' them. There are those on this list who have shown that just walking around the neighborhood or even back yard you can make some awesome images. Our 'photographic eye' can enable us all to document our world, even if it is just a family get together or a child sleeping, so whether your tools lie in 35mm, digital, 645, 6x7, 4x5, 8x10, 110, or even a Holga (!) every shot conveys a message.
I watched a show concerning the history of the paparazzi the other night. Many of the images were soft. Yet they conveyed plenty. It reminds me of a family member who upon showing me a fuzzy picture of some people and having me comment on that aspect (camera too close to the subject) commented that you could still make out who everyone is.
Apologies for the rambling, but after seeing some of the threads 'evolve' and actually taking some time to address the list, I just felt I could air some of my thoughts.
This is not prompted by my sipping on 2001 Bennett Cellars Knights Valley Merlot :-)
C�sar Panama City, Florida
