Day 2 - 275 -- Pondering the Photograph

While working on slides for the next set of lectures, I began pondering the photograph. Now that may seem a bit odd, but I was presenting information on use of photographs in research, so not a very long trip from the subject at hand <grin>.  I have photos on my dresser -- actual print photos from film and negatives. Others on shelves and walls only ever came in black and white, except for the one of my great-grandmother and her sister (c. 1911-1912) and another of my father and his older brother (c. 1940) that had hand-coloured parts. These were formal, posed photos. In the photo albums are examples of more casual and spontaneous snap shots, which became more common as cameras and film were more accessible by all. Other photos are more representational or artistic -- ones of places and things that serve as metaphor with a meaning unique to the viewer.

Photographs tell the stories of my life. I have scanned many older family photos, so now they are more ethereal, seen on a flickering screen rather than the tangible shiny prints. They are nonetheless of great value to me. Since switching to a digital camera, I've taken more photos than I did with film. It is wonderful to be able to take several shots of the same item and delete the ones that aren't as clear. The bonus of not running out of film in the middle of nowhere is a dream, though a spare battery is a necessity. I find that I print few of the electronic photos. They languish in e-albums and various digital media. Granted this takes up less room, but requires more power to view. I will also admit to not fully comprehending the lure of the selfie. These seem wholly narcissistic when I see one person taking multiple shots of themselves rather than enjoying what is all around them. When travelling 18 months ago, I was asked to take shots of people with their tablets, smart phones and cameras. The involvement of others in the process seems less egocentric and a touch more social, particularly when we didn't speak the same language <smile>. It adds a human touch to the process. I often wonder if all the phone pics and selfies will be retained to tell the stories of a life or if their value has been reduced due to their sheer magnitude and ease of production. That thought makes me a bit sad.

The song for today makes me think of the memories of a life that can be captured in photographs. This prolific singer-songwriter has been highlighted here in past blog posts. His lyrics are magical and poetic. Enjoy!

Kodachrome -- Paul Simon