One of the things that I've quite enjoyed this year during my photography classes were field trips. It did not matter if they were assigned by the school or self-assigned. There is a different quality about going to some place out of the ordinary, or out of your way, to discover something new. A few of the Places that I've enjoyed the most are the Assiniboine Park Zoo, the Conservatory, the Forks, a little Carnival that took place in a parking lot at night, and a trip to Lake of the Woods.
I have gone to the Assiniboine Park a few times. A couple of times to visit the Zoo, and others to visit the Conservatory. When photographing animals, I like to try to capture their personalities or characteristics, or at least pretend that is what I am capturing. I think that the patterns and colors that appear in the fur or feathers of animals or birds are amazing. At the same time it amuses me how on occasion I come across animals that are portraying characteristics or actions that are human like. Such as a laughing zebra or a praying prairie dog.
I visit the Conservatory when I want to capture a variety of plant life. Slightly altered from an artist statement that I wrote for another assignment, I photograph plants because when I take the time to look, I notice, I search beyond, I find and I am often surprised at how different and how much detail can be found in the plants. The macro life of plants can be an extraordinary experience. Their colors give them life, and give life to the rest of this sometimes dreary world. The richness and intensity of their colors can sometimes be overwhelming.
All of man kinds inventions and the details of those inventions or aesthetics have come from observing nature and all of it’s beauties. I thank God and nature for everything that we get to see every day. We are privileged to be able to gaze upon such marvels when we come across them.
Visiting the Forks for photographing purposes was an experience, but a good one in comparison to trying to shoot at other public shopping centers. While I was there I photographed some of the fruits and vegetables that were there for sale in the market area. But, what caught my eye the most, which for those that know me, there is no surprise, was candy!! Sweets from the candy store for my minds content. Best of all... I was allowed to take photos of them! When it comes to the candies you’ve tasted, your mind triggers a wonderful sentiment and memory. Your mouth waters and your eyes sparkle! Well at least that is what happens for me when I think about wondrous sweets! And for those that you haven’t tried, you mind wonders and wanders aimlessly looking for answers. There is a sense of mystery and curiosity to what you are missing. The tastes, the smells and the colors intertwine and rally together to tempt you and make you smile at the memories of being little or of what you might get to sample.
Now speaking of having an appetite for not just sweets, but for mystery as well, I will mention the carnival life. When I went to photograph the carnival, I focused most of my attention to the rides. Lit with colors of all kinds and formed into interesting patterns to cover the rides, when in movement, the lights tell a story of speed, action, stillness, amusement, and energy. For me, it was a reminder that life moves fast, but there are times for little breaks. We as photographers have been presented with a gift that allows us to stop time for a moment and capture it. We have this a means of documentation, and sometimes for the simplicities of pure pleasure for our visual senses. We capture images for out own satisfaction and the enjoyment of others. We photograph because it is what we love to do.
Sometimes however, there is greater or at least a different sense of gratification when one has the chance to photograph in the company of others who share the passion of photography. Although I have gone on many field trips with many different people, I unfortunately didn’t always get the chance to capture their presence on our little adventures. One of my most recent adventures was when our class group went to Lake of the Woods for our group photo. We spent the day basking in the sun. We enjoyed a barbeque, a boat ride, and each other’s company. It was one of those rare breaks, but well needed and well deserved. I chose to photograph the fun and tranquil moments of the day. I photographed everything that made that day memorable and enjoyable. After all... it is not only moments that impact our lives, it is the presence of others as well.
During the year, I not only acquired a set of skills, and some new photography equipment, but I also acquired friends and colleagues. I shared what I believe to be a small, but never-the-less important, milestone in my life with many talented individuals.
