In Contemplation of My Navel (Among Other Things)

Sunset, Puget Sound 2005

Well that’s just me, I guess. Happily wandering down the greenspace trail, iPhone in hand, taking pictures of spring blossoms and whatnot, enjoying the perfect combination of rain and soft light. This activity is pretty rewarding in and of itself, and thinking about how much fun I’ll (hopefully) have when I explore the images on my laptop only adds to the joy. So why spoil it by reflecting more deeply upon it than that?

Because it didn’t use to be this way, is why.

In a former life, I was content to haul around whatever exceedingly large camera I could find (and I had several choices, medium format and even an 8x10 camera for a while); loaded said camera or film holders with as much Tri-X as I had on hand, grab an equally large tripod, and sally forth. Consequently, every shot was a much more deliberate act, every composition and exposure carefully and exactingly measured. I loved it, every bit of it. And I don’t miss it.

I thought about this today as I bounded down the trail. My biggest camera these days is a lightweight and agile mirrorless one, and I rarely use my tripod, a lightweight, backpacker’s style, unless I’m planning on making some long exposures — you know, in case I happen upon a waterfall or something. My usual “camera” of choice happens to be my iPhone. I keep it in my pocket. Try doing that with an RB 67. My brain takes control over my eyes and hands; I don’t even try to keep account of how many pictures I’m taking. It just happens.

Paseo del Bosque and the Rio Grande, Albuquerque NM 2015

But today, for whatever reason, that same brain has given me pause to reflect upon these two very distinct styles of shooting, these two very different philosophies. One has not superseded the other, nor is one is better than the other. It’s the difference between a narrative and a haiku, a contemplation and a meditation. And for me, the way I go about making photos nowadays is just right. Face it, I’m not encumbered with the responsibility of pleasing a customer anymore (which my cash flow clearly reflects) and the array of photo software available to me makes it far more likely I can achieve the kind of image I have long sought. Sharing is a breeze, and printing is pleasurable. I’m at peace with my wandering.

And that’s just how I roll these days. Live in the moment, shoot in the moment. Besides, there’s more than a germ of impatience in me these days. How much time, as I approach decade number 7, do I have to sit and contemplate my navel — or wait for the damn sun to set just right ? I can’t do it. My feet itch. You’ll find me, little camera and all, happily wandering around the greenspace and the hiking trails, stopping every few feet to see what it was that made me stop and look.

My guess it’s the spring blossoms and whatnot.