As an introvert, I enjoy the force field that the camera builds around me. People are afraid they will interfere and ruin and my photo. It is funny to see them bop their heads down or dodge sharply side to side. With smart phones pointing every direction, I’m the same way. I hope I look good in all the photos I’ve accidentally ended up in. You know I’ve got your back!
With a camera around your neck, you aren’t expected to interact at events. You hang back and observe. I enjoy it and never feel left out. I’m never bored. With my camera I’m free to explore and create my own world with that lens. I feel the weight of the camera on my neck and in my core, grounding me and slowing my anxiety so I can lift my gaze and see people. But sometimes I wonder if I should take down that shield of protection and be vulnerable.
Transitions
My photography courses allowed us the freedom to explore our own interests and mine were urban and rural landscapes, nature, abstract…anything but people. It likely reflected the tucking into myself that was beginning to happen. Now, I am letting myself unravel and explore. Street photography lead me to watching the people more than the cherry blossom trees. Then I had the opportunity to bring my dslr camera to a Kevin Devine show. And I would like university aged me, the one who is old enough to have studied in the darkroom, to see me now. People don’t scare me anymore.
I’m writing this to announce that…I’m here. I have arrived. Late, but I arrived.
Hello world?
This website is slowly piecing itself back together while I make peace with that. It has been a long time!
