Why Are You Taking Pictures?

There was a parade in our town yesterday.   My kids were in the parade so I was essentially on the sidelines alone, awaiting their arrival.  Keeping myself busy, I was taking tons and tons and tons of photos.  A neighbor, who was there with her young kids, asked me why I was taking so many photos.

The question struck me in such an odd way?  Why not?  I dunno know.  Hmmmmm, I like taking photos?  She asked if I was taking them so I could show my kids since they were missing watching the parade.  I thought about this.  It's not really why I was taking the photos, but I was sure I would show them.  She asked what I was going to do with the photos.  Again, mind blank..... I dunno, was my only response.

It felt so odd to be questioned, perhaps because I had never really thought about it.  Some people just like to take photos, some don't?  I couldn't grasp the question, let alone my response.   Some don't consider taking photos of things that their kids aren't standing in front of?  Why was I taking them?  What is my answer?  Do I need one.  Should I know? Good grief, it was messing with me.

I came to the simple decision upon walking home and  still pondering the questioning.  Finally, I came to it.  I am photographer.  I've never called myself that, never felt the need.  Do I need some qualification or credential?  Apparently not.  I just love taking photos, I always have. I do lots of things with many of my photos, and sometimes do nothing with them. 

At any rate, I am more compelled than ever to share the fruits of yesterday's pleasures:

I thought these two guys (above and below looked strikingly weary, and perhaps fresh from battle)

I had the opportunity to meet and speak with the proud wife of the man above.  He is the oldest WWII veteran who lives in our town.  He is a doctor who worked in plastic surgery for WWII injured soldiers, this when plastic surgery was new and being developed by immediate need.  His work continued to pioneer organ transplantation where he earned the Nobel Prize for the first ever kidney transplant.  I am filled with joy that I took his photo, met his wife and have the opportunity to be proud of him on so many vast levels.  He is 98 years old and lives around the corner from me, who knew.

Above are all of my "friends" who volunteer at the recycling center (the source of most of my finds of the week) Love them one and all!

Lastly, the photo with my kids.  Need I express how happy I am that this is not the only photo I took of the day?  How often do these sights present themselves?  How often do I get the opportunity to photograph these subjects and scenes?  How much joy do I gain from looking at the images now and will in the future?  All are questions I need not ponder.  I do it, I like it.  I wanna do it some more!

 

Comments

[Richele]

So glad I got to meet the Nobel Prize winner via your photo who did so much for people, especially fellow soldiers.

"I am photographer." -sounds powerful sans article.

Hope you are feeling better.
R

[Kevyn Hagemann]

What a nice parade! I love watching military parades, especially ones with tanks and other vehicles. Those Willys Jeeps are lovingly restored and painted with the original World War II livery. But given the choice, I would definitely drive that tank, LOL.