"To take a photograph is to align the head, the eye and the heart. It's a way of life." - Henri Cartier-Bresson
I'll never forget the moment a few years ago when a good family friend (age three at the time), found my digital camera. As soon as he figured out how to point and hold down the button he was unstoppable, and a great photographer at that!
He just loved the idea of capturing the moment, and seeing the result right there in front of him. And for those few fleeting moments the world and that camera were magic, pure and simple. That magic is something I fell in love with later in life. I always loved taking pictures with the disposable cameras my mom would get me for trips, but the real love of photography has just hit me in the past few years. But now I can say I understand that intense curiosity and wonder my little friend felt, and it is certainly hard to put down the device. All I can say is, I wish I had learned how to take pictures earlier!
Photography is such a unique and special way to express yourself, especially for children. New York Times photographer Kevin Moloney agrees, "I imagine that the magic is what would be compelling -- either seeing an image on a digital camera that THEY shot, or seeing that print come up in the developer." He also suggests having kids take photos of their favorite things to start out.
What also makes photography such a great medium of communication, of story telling for that matter, are the numerous methods out there to work with... black and white, color, digital, film or even harnessing the power of the sun all to create amazing images.
Lately I have been focusing on nature photography, which led me to The National Audubon Society Guide to Landscape Photography by Tim Fitzharris. This book is filled to the brim with amazing tips to help everyone from the seasoned pro to the mom or dad teaching their kids the basics. Not to mention the awe inspiring photos inside will make you grab your camera and run outside every time you see a beautiful sunset!
Go ahead, get camera happy!
For a chance to win a copy of The National Audubon Society Guide to Landscape Photography, simply leave a comment on this post by Wednesday March 30th. The winner will be chosen by random number and announced Thursday March 31st.
Good Luck!
And the winner is Maria who said:
Thanks for participating everyone!
~ Jordan
P.S. Need some inspiration for day to day photos? Check out one of the all time greats, the father of photo journalism, Henri Cartier-Bresson.
*Last time in Books and Stories: Growth
