Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Sam the camera nut



Here is a picture of me taken by my sister two weeks ago. We were at my uncle's camp where we wre' having a family picnic. The sun was shining. We'd left all our worries about my dad at home (we agreed on that when we went out that day) and we were just having a nice time. As you can see, I have a camera in my hands. (photo to be added later when Blogger stops acting up)

I almost always have a camera in my hand or in my purse. My dad, who was an avid photographer, bought me my first camera when I was 6 years old, (a little brownie camera) and when my first roll of film was developed we discovered a whole tribe of headless monsters. I'd cut the head off every person I'd taken pictures of. So my father didn't develop another roll of film for a while, but had me 'practice' with my empty camera trying to frame my shots better. When I said I was ready, he gave me another roll of film (this was back in the 60's and film and developing pictures was pretty expensive.)
I loved experimenting with my camera, and took pictures of everything. Once, wanting to be a playboy photographer, I asked my sister (then about 7) to pose in the nude holding only a big flower to cover herself modestly. The picture was so cute my mom showed it to everyone, which infuriated my sister and she tore the photo to shreds.
I graduated to a polaroid camera, and then, when I graduated highschool, my father bought me my first real camera, a wonderful Canon. I loved that camera and took it all over the world with me, taking photos of camels in Morrocco, the coast in Israel, and beaches in the Bahamas and the Canary Islands. Most of my pictures I sent back to my dad. But then his house burned down, and all his photos burned too. It was a tragedy for my father. He had been taking pictures since he was a kid too - and I think he was far more upset about his photo collection than about his house.
Over the years, I've taken thousands of photos, and I have two bookcases full of photo albums, and a 'treasure box' of an odd assortment of pictures that my kids love to dig through.
Do you like taking pictures too?

11 comments:

Wynn Bexton said...

My Mom was an avid photographer and used to take photos with her Brownie Box Camera and tint the black and whites with colour. I love taking photos too and currently have a good Pentax but really wish now to have a digital -- a good one. I also have many albums and boxes of photos as well as slides. Love giving slide shows!

Erin the Innocent said...

I love taking pictures :) I don't really like being in them though lol. I also have my camera in my purse all the time. (out of habit with work. We often use pictures as a means of communicating so if we start something new I take a picture to use as a reference with the student in the future)

Patrice Michelle said...

YES, I'm an avid phototaker, too, Sam! That's why I love coming to your blog. I have a few pics I need to upload to my blog, so I hope to get it done by the end of the weekend. :)

Michelle B said...

I love taking photos Sam! I've always been quite photo crazy. I went to Irapuato, Mexico for 3 weeks when I was 16 and used 11 rolls of film:)

It's so much more cost effective for me with my digital camera these days! My only problem is that I worry about my camera when I take it places. I'm getting over it lately though.

Sorry to hear about the fire destroying all those photos:(

That story about your sister is hilarious!

Tara Marie said...

I'm a picture taking fiend. I drive everyone crazy, and document every family get together. Love digital pictures because they're so easy to manipulate and fix.

We went to Cape Cod 2 years before our son was born, pulled out the album to show him pictures from our whale watch trip and he must of poured over those pictures for an hour.

Daisy Dexter Dobbs said...

Happy birthday, Sam! :-D

Yes, I’ve always loved taking pictures too and have tons of albums as well as framed photos all over the house. I can understand why your dad was so upset at having lost all his photos in the fire. Mine are more important to me than any item of monetary value I might own. Each picture is a memory trigger, where once glance is like flipping a switch and opening a flood of memories related to the photo.

My uncle was an award-winning professional photographer. My daughter has definitely picked up his talent and love of photography. She really has a great eye for framing shots. Like you, Sam, she’s traveled all over the world and has taken the most marvelous photos. It’s a treasure trove of memories.

I always love looking at your photos, Sam. Your father taught you well. :-) You have a great knack for capturing just the right shot. Bet that photo of your sister must have been adorable!

Madeline Hill said...

Been away from the blogs for a while--so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing, Sam. It is such a turning point in life when our parents die. You have wonderful memories and talents that are his legacy--the camera is just one!

My prayers are with you.. enjoy your photos, your memeories, your summer, your children-- handsome fireman! (yet another legacy!)

Blessings! MADDIE

Bobbie (Sunny) Cole said...

My maternal grandmother was a photo hound. It wasn't until I was much older that I had a religious-like relationship with photography (even though I'd had cameras since I was young). It was then that I truly appreciated what went into taking a shot and developing the film. It cost much more than I'd realized - lol.

Bobbie (Sunny) Cole said...

(((Sam))) - special hugs today, my friend. Have had you on my mind.

Jona said...

I've always like taking pictures too, but it's only since digital that I can afford to go crazy with the amount of pictures I take :o)

paulmerrill said...

I love taking pix too. And having a tiny digital that fits in my pocket makes it all the easier.

Just heard that Kodak & Nikon are stopping making film cameras. End of an era!

Sorry about your dad! I hope the grief process goes as well as can be expected.