WHAT TO DO WITH ALL THOSE PHOTOS??

     More pictures are being captured these days than at any time in  history! Not only are traditional cameras being used, but also tablets and cell phones. Who knows what new technology is being developed to add to the melee of photography tools?  Some people store hundreds of pictures on their cell phones, while others uploaded to THE CLOUD, or  to websites like Shutterfly, Google and Flicker.

    Most folks have family photos on their walls or some other prominent place for display.  They not only keep our loved ones in mind, but may encourage inquiries when visitors stop by.

How many newlyweds and new parents purchase professionally produced albums?    💕  👶

 Photography is an enormous boon to the economy as customers purchase not only cameras, but lenses, tripods, filters, SD cards and batteries. These are only some of the accessories available to enhance the photographer's experience.     

     While developing film is no longer required to view the shots taken, printing them can be quite costly. How many retailers offer not only photo printing, but also provide a number of ways a basic snapshot can be turned into practical items?    📷

    Photoaffections.com and Printerpix.com are two websites I frequent to discover new ways to use my pictures. Most of the time, the cost is reasonable and  promo codes and coupons are available for discounts.  Groupon.com is a savings site where I often glean some great deals!   😀

Some of the things I've made are coffee mugs, photo books and photo blankets. These are not just for me, but often I create gifts for family and friends. What a unique present!  

                                  🎀

Designing greeting cards is a snap!

  

Due to climate change problems, the use of non-recyclable bags is being prohibited.   Individualized tote bags are good for the environment, and hold memories as well as the contents of a recent shopping trip.

If you have a competitive spirit there are many contests for camera buffs.  You might even win!

I have many high quality photos on my hard drive where no one sees them, except me, or those to whom I show them. Much time and effort went into taking, editing, and organizing them.                         

 So many moments preserved and conserved:  Flowers that will never bloom again 🌻   , a sunrise that will never be identical  The smiles of the aged,    👵  the freshness of an infant's peach-fuzzed head, and  toothless grin!  Most scenes will never be repeated and we have opportunity to  picture them from our particular perspective.

    Colors, patterns, and textures may be converted into many venues for display.       

    These  floral pictures all have the same base photo which was manipulated with various filters to give each a unique look.                                                                                                                                                           These kinds of experiments are learning opportunities and fun!

  

How many variations can you create from one photo?        

    Maybe it sounds like a lot of work, but to me it is also enjoyment--even excitement when I am fortunate to get a stunning shot--being at the right place at the right time, observant and skillful enough to catch it.

    You can also come up with your own way to use your pictures. Imagination and creativity develop as we explore these kinds of new uses for something as simple as a photo.  The result may never be hung in an art museum, but there is much fun to be had experimenting!

Who's Got the Moves??

    We recently moved, which influenced my decision to produce this piece.  It has been an overwhelming job to relocate!  We have lived here a few weeks, yet still can't find some things, and have boxes to unpack and possessions to rearrange.

    While a college student, I took a course: Human Geography.  The theme of the class was that people move for two reasons: 1 To go to a better place, such as those who traveled west in search of gold in California. Or  2  To get away from a bad place, such as the immigrants who came from Ireland during the potato famine.  Today, we see the horrible situation in Ukraine with  citizens fleeing towns and homes they love because they are escaping death and destruction.  My husband and I came to our new place because it provides greater security. He has severe disabilities, and our new environment makes life easier for both of us.

    I no longer have as much housekeeping to do, and even though we willingly came, part of me is sad.  This move has made a huge difference in our lives!

    I think there are more photos being produced  these days than at any prior time.  I suspect many folks are recording important happenings--special occasions, a beautiful sunset, or gardens in bloom.  Others may have a more artistic approach, such as those who are good at abstracts. Money can be made if the photographer is talented and good at marketing.  How many folks go click, click, click simply because it is fun?

     A person who does a lot of picture taking does so in order to make an impression on the viewer.  I want the people who look at my photos to feel something, to be moved by my work, to think differently after looking at the photos than they may have, prior to viewing them.  The simplest developments can have a big impact.

    Did you know that movement is a primary ability of living things?  We know animals and humans are able to move. 

Amusement parks offer exciting thrills for those seeking such experiences.

When we sit, do we sit still?  We cross ankles and legs, tap our feet or fingers, fold arms, twist hair, scratch or rub hands.  The furniture companies are well aware of this.

Hence the high sales for rocking chairs and recliners.  My husband has a lift chair which gives him a jump start to get on his feet.

    There are many things around us that move, but which we do not usually think of as doing so. For example: do plants move?  They are rooted in place, no?  In deed, they are not stationary!  Anyone who has had to pay to replace sidewalk put askew by tree roots are aware of this. 

 

 Do you see how plants bend toward light?

Or unfurl leaves to absorb the sunshine?  

    Some surprisingly avoid   obstacles  that may block their   growth.

All  life needs water. 

It is a key component for life on any planet. 

Water surely moves. 

It can be relaxing, peaceful, refreshing, cooling, or a tempest 

of destruction! 

 

Surely rocks don't move! Or do they?  If you are familiar with the Myth of Sisyphus you know of his futile work, even when he COULD move a rock. That rock moved with assistance from a person, but there are rocks that are put in motion other ways. Have you heard of a landslide?  How much destruction is caused by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions? 

Driving down some highways, you may see the yellow signs warning drivers to be on the lookout for falling rocks.

Engineers are aware that buildings move. If sky scrapers did not have some "give" to them, they'd never withstand the high winds or subtle movement of the ground beneath them.

    Photographers? When we push the shutter, we want the result to influence the person who takes the time to look at it.

    What moves you?  Are you motivated by fear? These days of Covid, war and economic challenges are reasons to be afraid.  How does that affect our thinking and behavior?

    What do you think about when you see a new born, be it human or animal?  Can you find beauty every day, even in some small way?  Photography is an instrument which facilitates that.  It helps us see the world differently, to reframe our thinking.  Perhaps it helps us to be less fearful and more focused on good.

Get those pictures out there. Get moving! and move others by your work.