Summertime, Summertime
Summer is officially in full swing. Long days, warm weather, fresh produce, water sports, and cookouts are on the agenda for most people these days. Fortunately, for us shutterbugs in the world, all of these events play into our hands and allow us ample opportunities to hone our skills. As photographers, we have a unique impact on society and life in general. Our craft is one of keeping record, and interpreting the zeitgeist or ‘spirit of the age’. We can help chronicle events as history unfolds, shed light on the human soul, and immortalize our time on this big blue ball.
I would suggest that you take every opportunity to get out and shoot as much as possible. Stretch yourself further than you have ever before, try some new things, and go a little crazy. If you find yourself in a situation that is difficult, or out of your comfort zone, instead of allowing yourself to feel intimidated and even a bit scared, allow yourself to feel energized and challenge. Be excited with new opportunities and be eager to find out what does not work and what does work.
We learn a lot more from our mistakes that we do from our successes. Take the time to work things through and make mistakes. Learn as much as you can from each time in the field. As for me, you can count on the fact that I will spend as much time ‘out there’ doing just these things. It will leave less time for me to do the things I normally do. Things like posting new information on this site as frequently as I have been. I will be out ‘doing the stuff’ that photographers do. Rest assured, I will return and I will have new information to share, photos to reveal, tips and tricks to pass along, mistakes from which to learn, and ideas for you to try, but it will all take a bit of time and effort.
In the meantime, if you miss your photo related print, feel free to stop by the forum to chat with fellow enthusiasts and pros, ask and answer questions, and browse the ever-increasing knowledge base there. However, most of all get out and shoot as much as you can; learn as much as you can. After all, summer only comes once a year and we have to take advantage of it while it lasts.
As the famous Jamies’ song of 1958 states,
“It’s time to head straight for them hills
It’s time to live and have some thrills
Come along and have a ball, a regular free for all
It’s summertime
Summertime summertime sum sum summertime.”
Socialize