Not 42: That is the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe and everything. The reason I take photographs falls a little short of that.
For reasons I never learned, my father owned a TLR. I think it might have been a Rolleicord. This was in the early / mid 1960s when I was about to start primary schooling. The camera fascinated me. Understandably, my father wouldn't let me anywhere near it. That made me want to hold and use it even more. He bought me a Kodak Instamatic when I became old enough to use one and I started taking snaps.
Just before I was 13, I was asked what I wanted for my birthday. The answer was usually a new bike, a rugby ball or a football. This time around, I asked for a 35mm SLR camera. I received an Edixa Reflex. It had a waist-level finder rather than a prism finder, which made shooting speedway matches problematic but was great for landscapes. I had it until I could afford an Olympus OM1n and have never been without a camera since. Photography has been my lifetime's creative outlet.
Hi Neale- I think you’ve got my answer to this “on tape” from our Extra Mile chat- as I recall I was one of those who indulged in the pregnant pause following the question. And then came a rambling answer…. which hasn’t changed, so please use that if it’s useful!
Firstly, love the podcast and can't wait until Friday comes around. Why - my dad was a prolific photo taker after buying an old roll film bellows camera from an army buddy whilst serving in Egypt. He then, without really knowing it, documented the rest of his army life and subsequently my early years. As I got older I loved looking through these photos and then when I was old enough I asked for a camera for Christmas. It was a, I think, a 120 roll film plastic camera like an early Holga Diana. I then had these for following Christmases, probably because they didn't last. That was it, I have been hooked on photography ever since. The why is because it makes me very happy and I feel I am now documenting my own life as my dad did. One day I hope my children will enjoy looking through my photos as much as I did and still do enjoy looking through my dads. Mind you, I really should print more!
Not 42? Ok then it life, the universe, and everything!
To be serious, for a moment. Not something i like being in my own time, due to being one of those big corporate slaves. To be seriouus, its because I find photography to be a really honest reflection of my own moid and feelings at any point in time. If im a bit run down or tiered, my photos tend to be a bit bland. If im excited, the photos i take tend to be a bit quirky. Sad, dark. Happy, bright.
As a wedding photographer, I shoot weddings because I LOVE watching people.
You might get arrested if you're constantly watching people with your camera on the street, but at a wedding, it's always work and I get paid to stare at people through my lens.
I get to watch stories unfold. I get watch horrible dancing. I get to watch unbridled love.
So WHY do I like shooting weddings? Because I don't want to get arrested and love making a living with my camera.
I knew once I saw an adding machine when I was around 6 years old I think. My grandfather was an auctioneer and my grandmother handled the transactions, so that gave me a chance to learn how it worked. I was fascinated! From then on I knew I would do something related to that machine. I was a computer programmer for 30 years, mostly related to genetics research! I am still fascinated with any kind of machinery. In my retirement, I switched from all aspects of computer programming to all aspects of photography. Exploring things that drive my passion, I always jump into the deep end.
I did as Joseph Campbell said and followed my bliss. Doors opened I didn't know were there!
So that I can give them away, whether it is photos of them or tennis lessons for them. I am retired and am in the wonderful position of spending time with who I want, doing what I want. I have played tennis for decades and am a good enough coach to help some of the local players. I love taking candid portraits or action photos that I can give to the people I run across, photos they would not have of those moments had I not been there. So, my why is so that I can share these with the people I encounter.
This is perhaps one of the hardest questions you ask Neale and I have pondered it often. There was one Extra mIle where a guest gave the answer that most matched what I felt but I can't remember who or when that was. I've had a go in my notebook and it comes out as more of a list...photography tickles my geek bones and seems to be the only visually creative thing I am capable of. Photography makes me curious, makes me slow, makes me look, see, listen, hear, smell, feel, taste. It gives me company when I seek it and solitude when I need it. it can be fun and challenging. It can be unexpected and frustrating. It can be playful and emotional and it hopes me continue to learn. My why is all the above and because I love it.
Excellent Bill. Thank you. I'm going to use a selection on the show. It's wonderful to have memories that stretch that far as part of your why.
Not 42: That is the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe and everything. The reason I take photographs falls a little short of that.
For reasons I never learned, my father owned a TLR. I think it might have been a Rolleicord. This was in the early / mid 1960s when I was about to start primary schooling. The camera fascinated me. Understandably, my father wouldn't let me anywhere near it. That made me want to hold and use it even more. He bought me a Kodak Instamatic when I became old enough to use one and I started taking snaps.
Just before I was 13, I was asked what I wanted for my birthday. The answer was usually a new bike, a rugby ball or a football. This time around, I asked for a 35mm SLR camera. I received an Edixa Reflex. It had a waist-level finder rather than a prism finder, which made shooting speedway matches problematic but was great for landscapes. I had it until I could afford an Olympus OM1n and have never been without a camera since. Photography has been my lifetime's creative outlet.
Hi Neale- I think you’ve got my answer to this “on tape” from our Extra Mile chat- as I recall I was one of those who indulged in the pregnant pause following the question. And then came a rambling answer…. which hasn’t changed, so please use that if it’s useful!
All the best
Adriano
Firstly, love the podcast and can't wait until Friday comes around. Why - my dad was a prolific photo taker after buying an old roll film bellows camera from an army buddy whilst serving in Egypt. He then, without really knowing it, documented the rest of his army life and subsequently my early years. As I got older I loved looking through these photos and then when I was old enough I asked for a camera for Christmas. It was a, I think, a 120 roll film plastic camera like an early Holga Diana. I then had these for following Christmases, probably because they didn't last. That was it, I have been hooked on photography ever since. The why is because it makes me very happy and I feel I am now documenting my own life as my dad did. One day I hope my children will enjoy looking through my photos as much as I did and still do enjoy looking through my dads. Mind you, I really should print more!
Not 42? Ok then it life, the universe, and everything!
To be serious, for a moment. Not something i like being in my own time, due to being one of those big corporate slaves. To be seriouus, its because I find photography to be a really honest reflection of my own moid and feelings at any point in time. If im a bit run down or tiered, my photos tend to be a bit bland. If im excited, the photos i take tend to be a bit quirky. Sad, dark. Happy, bright.
As a wedding photographer, I shoot weddings because I LOVE watching people.
You might get arrested if you're constantly watching people with your camera on the street, but at a wedding, it's always work and I get paid to stare at people through my lens.
I get to watch stories unfold. I get watch horrible dancing. I get to watch unbridled love.
So WHY do I like shooting weddings? Because I don't want to get arrested and love making a living with my camera.
I knew once I saw an adding machine when I was around 6 years old I think. My grandfather was an auctioneer and my grandmother handled the transactions, so that gave me a chance to learn how it worked. I was fascinated! From then on I knew I would do something related to that machine. I was a computer programmer for 30 years, mostly related to genetics research! I am still fascinated with any kind of machinery. In my retirement, I switched from all aspects of computer programming to all aspects of photography. Exploring things that drive my passion, I always jump into the deep end.
I did as Joseph Campbell said and followed my bliss. Doors opened I didn't know were there!
So that I can give them away, whether it is photos of them or tennis lessons for them. I am retired and am in the wonderful position of spending time with who I want, doing what I want. I have played tennis for decades and am a good enough coach to help some of the local players. I love taking candid portraits or action photos that I can give to the people I run across, photos they would not have of those moments had I not been there. So, my why is so that I can share these with the people I encounter.
(Is responding here ok, or should I submit it via email?)
This is perhaps one of the hardest questions you ask Neale and I have pondered it often. There was one Extra mIle where a guest gave the answer that most matched what I felt but I can't remember who or when that was. I've had a go in my notebook and it comes out as more of a list...photography tickles my geek bones and seems to be the only visually creative thing I am capable of. Photography makes me curious, makes me slow, makes me look, see, listen, hear, smell, feel, taste. It gives me company when I seek it and solitude when I need it. it can be fun and challenging. It can be unexpected and frustrating. It can be playful and emotional and it hopes me continue to learn. My why is all the above and because I love it.
I'm a couple years behind in the catalog, but always thought you did a good job on this question. I'll look forward to catching up, I guess.