At the opening ceremonies for the Olympics, John Furlong said “Through our example tonight and over the 16 days to come our children will begin to dream and believe in what is possible. Lives of great significance begin with a spark – a nudge – a gesture. Together let us touch as many as we can — while we can.” I thought about that statement, and how it transcends just sports. We never know how our lives will touch others – how our example of living might ignite a spark in others to live differently, perhaps better. It’s part of why I teach. I always hope that my images and ideas will somehow ignite something within the student to help them see more creatively. I love sharing in the process of photography and seeing – as well as helping them get their f-stops and shutter speeds right!
As a photographer, I’m aware that my images can potentially inspire people to preserve wilderness, wildlife, or a culture. It’s one of the reasons I work to get my images out there to be seen. You just never know the impact just one image can have on something, some cause, some person. I love having my photographs used by environmental groups, but since many organizations have small or non-existent budgets for picture use, I’ve chosen to donate pictures to certain wilderness and wildlife organizations now and then over the years. I donated this picture to Nature Conservancy several years ago. They immediately thought it would be useful for a campaign about Legacy Giving – encouraging people to build in long-term donation in their wills. I was pleased to see it used that way. When I made the image, I was struck by the special moment being shared with mother and son, the wonder and curiosity of exploring nature. It remains a favorite image of mine today, because it reminds me of my own family’s adventures into nature that ignited my passion for the outdoors and all things natural.
Upcoming:
Workshop at NANPA in Reno – Saturday Feb 20th, 2PM-5PM. Must be attending the conference.
The Art in Photography – One-day seminar hosted by the Baltimore Camera Club, March 6th, 8 AM – 5 PM.
A very special capture. Love the clarity and focus – not only in the image itself, but upon the moment between “mother-and-son” and how their reflection clarifies the area “they” are focusing upon.
When we are first born, we did not speak, but we opened our eyes and began to see. Through nurturing (especially from a mother, father, teacher and so on) a child develops and grows. In having a child -or- appreciating the cycles of life, we get an opportunity to re-live those simple and pure moments.
In looking at this image, it is a pleasing reminder that a child can find something of beauty no matter where they are. Far too many people have blinders on as to seeing what really matters – even things right before their eyes.
A reminder to us all that we should really (really) open our eyes, share time, experiences and preserve our world so that all of the future generations will be able to see what we see – if not more.
Thanks for your insights that you shared, Stephan. I totally agree with your comments!
Brenda, thank you for sharing and I am looking forward to the revised version of your book this spring. I did a review of the current version on my blog.
You turned mud and water into a wonderful scene of mother and child time.
Thank you Scott! I really appreciate the feedback. You might write a one-line addendum to the current nice review you posted that the revised edition is on sale Feb 23, 2010 – that way anyone who reads back into your archives will see that it’s not a film-based book anymore.
I like your comment – ‘mud and water…’ without the people, that seen would not be photogenic, but with them, the whole story is told…
I will do that Brenda. I am doing another review for a popular Disney photography site on the book which will come out after the new book is released and will leave out that paragraph.
Looks like I will have to get the new to review, too. 🙂
ive noticed pros love to share their locations and post editing techniques. you’re not worried about people stealing your mojo and making money off your ideas?
Nah, I’m not really worried, Kalani. What I would hope is that the person taking any editing techniques from a pro or anyone would take it a step further, and invent their own look to add to that process. You notice I didn’t show a step by step process though 🙂 It still takes some creative vision to adjust the blur layer and all the sliders and that’s where the individual look may come out.