Tears from Heaven… and some Soapbox
I am looking for some distraction today – as you may have guessed from yesterday’s post, we had some terrible news yesterday. A family friend, a fabulous lady I have known my whole life, passed away suddenly. She was a woman of the city and of the country too. A special woman. A survivor who had endured much but smiled for the world. The shock has yet to ease, and my heart goes to her beloved husband and daughter.
This morning we woke up to rain – heavy, steady, soaking, gorgeous rain. And my first thought was “Jan is at work already”. And I knew it for sure when we rang my brother and found the rain is widespread (for a change). They are getting it at their house too – up until now the rain has fallen in strange isolated areas. Last storm we got almost four inches (97mm) while my brother’s place got less than half an inch (10mm). So call me a sentimental fool, but this rain I am crediting to Jan.
So while the rain falls steadily outside (and my dryer gets a workout) I have been trawling the blogs to distract myself. One in particular has given me pause today – Stephen Baird’s wonderful photo blog Nikon Sniper, in which he discusses a comment I made there recently. I found myself rambling in response, and decided to re-post the comment here to share with my wonderful (unfailingly positive) readers.
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I had mentioned that I found Stephen positive and encouraging and a non-photo-snob, despite his obvious talent with a camera. I abhor photo snobs – those who think that the measure of a photographer is their technical know-how and the cost of their latest camera. Don’t get me wrong – I love me a shiny expensive camera, and an all-the-gadgets lense. I work with a battered Nikon D100 and a bashed-up, scratched Nikon 17-200mm lense. That’s it. And I am aware of my dearth of expertise in the technical field – I have much to learn, and I am quite possibly too lazy to take it all on board!
This morning we woke up to rain – heavy, steady, soaking, gorgeous rain. And my first thought was “Jan is at work already”. And I knew it for sure when we rang my brother and found the rain is widespread (for a change). They are getting it at their house too – up until now the rain has fallen in strange isolated areas. Last storm we got almost four inches (97mm) while my brother’s place got less than half an inch (10mm). So call me a sentimental fool, but this rain I am crediting to Jan.
So while the rain falls steadily outside (and my dryer gets a workout) I have been trawling the blogs to distract myself. One in particular has given me pause today – Stephen Baird’s wonderful photo blog Nikon Sniper, in which he discusses a comment I made there recently. I found myself rambling in response, and decided to re-post the comment here to share with my wonderful (unfailingly positive) readers.
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I had mentioned that I found Stephen positive and encouraging and a non-photo-snob, despite his obvious talent with a camera. I abhor photo snobs – those who think that the measure of a photographer is their technical know-how and the cost of their latest camera. Don’t get me wrong – I love me a shiny expensive camera, and an all-the-gadgets lense. I work with a battered Nikon D100 and a bashed-up, scratched Nikon 17-200mm lense. That’s it. And I am aware of my dearth of expertise in the technical field – I have much to learn, and I am quite possibly too lazy to take it all on board!
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Photo snobs (for those lucky enough to have avoided them til now) can be found in many places, but I had discovered them mostly in camera shops and printing businesses. They have the knack of making people self-consious about their abilities, their expertise, their equipment. Who knows why? I have overheard some awful things – things that would make people put down a camera and never try again. And it makes me cranky. I watch these people walk away dejected and think:
“What a loss! What photos will never get taken because the joy and confidence has been stolen from that person?”
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For those newish to this blog, I should confess that I’m an ex-news photographer, so my teeth were cut on pretty action-packed imagery. I learned on-the-run rather than from a text book. I still cannot believe I got a real job with such little technical experience… but I did. And I took some horrific photos, and the occasional pretty nice photo. THE MAIN THING was that they told the story. They captured a moment or an emotional or a relationship. I am still catching up on the technical stuff. Oh Lord, am I wanting in this department.
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But I reckon I can capture a moment pretty well – and seeing as how all I am doing is documenting MY life, and the pics make ME happy (and show my kids what their world was like when they were little) then I reckon it’s all OK. (Of course I still yearn to improve. I’m quite normal!)
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I love that people like Stephen encourage everyone. This world is full of knockers (and I don’t mean of the ribcage variety!). I am very lucky that positive people visit me and comment – I am sorry that not everyone has this kind of experience. They should.
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To me, my comments section confirms what I think I know – that people would love my part of the world, given a chance to glimpse it. That they might find something here to identify with. It’s the little bonus I never really anticipated in blogging. And it’s one I look forward to every day. Every comment made is appreciated – I am not frightened of constructive critisicm either. If people want to share their knowledge or tips with me, I am all ears.
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For those newish to this blog, I should confess that I’m an ex-news photographer, so my teeth were cut on pretty action-packed imagery. I learned on-the-run rather than from a text book. I still cannot believe I got a real job with such little technical experience… but I did. And I took some horrific photos, and the occasional pretty nice photo. THE MAIN THING was that they told the story. They captured a moment or an emotional or a relationship. I am still catching up on the technical stuff. Oh Lord, am I wanting in this department.
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But I reckon I can capture a moment pretty well – and seeing as how all I am doing is documenting MY life, and the pics make ME happy (and show my kids what their world was like when they were little) then I reckon it’s all OK. (Of course I still yearn to improve. I’m quite normal!)
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I love that people like Stephen encourage everyone. This world is full of knockers (and I don’t mean of the ribcage variety!). I am very lucky that positive people visit me and comment – I am sorry that not everyone has this kind of experience. They should.
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To me, my comments section confirms what I think I know – that people would love my part of the world, given a chance to glimpse it. That they might find something here to identify with. It’s the little bonus I never really anticipated in blogging. And it’s one I look forward to every day. Every comment made is appreciated – I am not frightened of constructive critisicm either. If people want to share their knowledge or tips with me, I am all ears.
How else do we learn?
But what I really love is that people seem to feel like they have experienced something, the thing I am trying to show, without getting caught up in the photo itself?
Does that make sense?
So expect more random images from my world this year. Expect some slightly fuzzy and out-of-focus and not technically perfect shots that are there because they help me tell my story. I hope I never press the ‘publish’ button just to make my comments count skyrocket.
And even if I my posts are all written just for my kids and for me, I hope you keep coming back to share them anyway. You are part of my community.
22 Comments
Deb
BB,
I am sorry for your loss. May your wonderful memories of Jan surround your heart and help you get through the coming days. (hugs)
I enjoy all your photos – I love looking at peoples pictures that mean the most to them; photos they have taken with a "what they can afford" camera. I'll probably never learn all the in's and out's of my camera but I love using it and I photograph what appeals to me. I'm glad to know others like them too.
So happy that you are getting rain!! I know you need it badly. I pray it continues.
Take good care ~
Jennifer
I have become acquainted with your blog through Amanda: Mud Maps. I love your work and enjoyed the dialog on Nikon Sniper as I am also a follower there.
I am sorry to hear about your family friend Jan. Thoughts were with you yesterday as I read your post and your picture was beautiful.
My favorite photograph in this lot is the second…it is for lack of better words, heavenly.
Debby
I have to say, BB, that your blog, and Wasilla Bill's blog in particular (just because there are so many photos) have awakened in me this one thing: That all of us feel our lives ordinary, and humdrum, but when we set them before others, when we allow people to glimpse what we have, what we are, the world we know, people are interested. All of us have some pretty amazing lives. So do you. I'll be back. You are part of my community, even though we do not live nearby at all.
Anonymous
BB, Please remember – Life is what happens while we are busy making plans. Keep the little black blog rolling, `cause it is important in my life. Bill
Note to Jeanie: my very word is midis
Pony Girl
So sorry to hear about the loss of your friend, dear BB! Losing someone so suddenly always seems so unfair. Give yourself some time to grieve.
I am going to check out the link you mentioned! I am always looking for inspiration and advice. Today I took a walk and used my aperture priority setting- yikes! Something I've been afraid to do. Well I was mostly happy with the results- minus a little blur, but that is my fault. I am wiggily and don't have vibration reduction on my lens. Ah, well. I will always be by to visit, not only because of your great photos of a life in a place I may never see in person, but because I like your charm and sweet spirit. ((((((hugs))))))
Leenie
I add my sympathies. The cloud shot is a wonder. So glad for your rain and I think you are right about where it came from.
I am totally with you on the camera snob rant. One of the magics of the blogisphere is the way we can share our worlds with the rest of the world and make friends with our cameras and words. Digital cameras have made great photographers out of a lot of people who's lives would otherwise go unrecorded. I echo the others' comments.
Woman in a Window
A friend gone – I'm so sorry for you and for her family.
***
(I like yer non-snobbery and just plain ole like you. All the best in the new year.)
xo
erin
Bull Rhino
BB,
I found your blog through Steven's and I'm glad I did. I expect to be in for a fun and exciting ride. I'll be back often.
Sorry for the loss of your friend.
A Novel Woman
I'm so sorry for your loss. It's always hard to lose a friend, but even more so when it's sudden.
As for the rest, Hear Hear! I couldn't agree with you more re: camera and photo snobs. Maybe it's my age, but criticism which might have stopped me before is no more than a mild annoyance now. I do it because I love it, and if others like my photos, well then that's wonderful but I don't count on it and I can never second guess which ones people will like! Your photos and stories give me a glimpse into a world so completely unlike mine that I can't help but love it.
I think the trick to being a good photographer is not the fancy schmancy equipment or Photoshop bamboozlery but simply the ability to see the world in your own unique way and to capture it, simply, without too much thought or artifice in the moment, so that I can feel it and see it too.
Here's to 2010.
Jayne
(((hugs))) Thinking of you.
WV =fooffins
BOSSY
So sorry about the loss, that can really rock the world.
Lydia
I'm sorry to hear of the loss of your friend. What a way to start the year — a loss like this gives such a perspective.
Blessings to you and yours, as well as Jan's family.
Sues2u2
I'm so sorry, BB. I never know what to say @ times like this except to express my sorrow for your loss.
Julie from Australia
Once…a long time ago…I adored sketching and yearned to draw…so I did…and one day I proudly showed some family my latest of which I was very proud. They laughed, sniggered maybe…but what happened next burned into me so deep…I put my pencil down. I didnt try again. The drawings are under my bed in a plastic bag. I look at them every decade or so and put them back…meaning to try again.
Now I love my camera…I take pictures of what I see and 'love my macro'…and I have an album of MY favourite photos…and I have learned not to show them to anyone who might be an ignorant SOB…only to people whos eyes are open to the efforts of the passionate.
BB…your friend will be in your heart now…and we will see her influence through your lens.
I wish you and your family a happy and healthy New Year and will be back to visit regulary because I love to see what your heart shows us.
Marilyn
I am new to your blog. I found you somewhere, but honestly don't remember how, but who cares, I found you! I, too, am sorry for your loss. Time will take the pain away, and your memories will heal the scar.
Thank you for pointing us to Stephen's blog. His encouraging words help those of us who have NO idea what we are doing, and don't have big shiny lenses, but just enjoy taking snap-shots. I have just started my blog and have been snapping away and have had fun, and some nice compliments. Isn't that all that matters?
Your photos are gorgeous and I look forward to staying with you from now on. I find it amazing that you are THERE….I have long lost relatives there, and I am here!!! and it's just a click to find you. Sorry this was so long…..
Marilyn in Va.
Jeanne Klaver
Well, you certainly do know how to capture a moment. Each photo tells a story. You do a great job. I LOVE coming here.
The Texas Woman
I too lost a friend yesterday. My sympathies.
Paint Girl
I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. My thoughts are with you!
I love photography, and I love visiting blogs with good photography. I am not any good at it, but I try! I have always loved your pictures, I think they are amazing! And I can't wait to see what the New Year brings us from your part of the world!
Kate
I am so sorry for your loss and my heart goes out to you and to all of Jan's family and friends. What an especially hard time of year to lose a loved one. 2 (and now 3) friends of mine have lost dear family members in the past 2 weeks and it is just heart-wrenching.
I love your soapbox here though. I don't even have a beat up nice camera, just a little point and shoot, but i love taking pictures. And I LOVE being part of your world thru yours. Thank you for taking pictures and especially for sharing them! I adore that last picture, the look on the Dash's face is perfection.
Anonymous
You have not lost a friend, but gained an angel to watch over you in heaven…..I enjoy looking at your photos, in or out of focus and your comments and observations are so much fun. Hang in there BB honey!!!!!!!!!
signed
Theresa in Alberta
Jenni
So sorry about the loss of your friend.
I'm very thankful for people like you and Ree and Miz Booshay–real, down-to-earth people who happen to also be very talented but are humble and kind enough to pass their knowledge on to others and encourage them. Thank you.
Wrensong Farm
BB, my heart goes out to you in the loss of your friend….I'm sure the rain is a gift from Jan and a reminder of her love for you.
You do such amazing pics with your battered old camera….I can't imagine what you would be capable of with new shiny equiptment….I always love that saying the best camera to have is the one you have with you….and you definitely prove that it's true!!