Incredible Fortune

I’m sure that time and time again throughout these Musings I have mentioned that the individuals I have met through photography is the most compelling part of this craft. Beyond the sheer number of individuals who I now call friends, the quality of my own life has been changed forever.

New Discoveries

I have recently written here about my project with the kids at Telegraph Hill Neighborhood Center. Last week was my third week there and was by far the most active. I delivered the kid’s photos along with their presentation boards and we spent the day assembling their photographs on the boards. This week I return to have them present their family’s stories to the rest of the class and then in March the center will hold an art exhibit of their work. Exciting times. But more than the event for me this period in my life is about new discoveries for myself.

Putting oneself 'out there'

Today I photographed auditions for The King And I. This is the first time I’ve covered auditions and these were for the ‘Call Backs’ those actors, singers and dancers who had made the first cut in their auditions. I have watched shows like American Idol and witnessed the risk/reward ratio those individuals take to continue toward their dreams. But seeing that process in person is much different than the edited bits and pieces I’ve seen on television.

Men and women along with children of all ages, sizes, race and talent put themselves ‘out there ‘ to be judged, rejected and sometimes rewarded. While I watched and photographed that event, I thought back to photography blogs and contests where I have participated and often been rejected or accepted. And although there was both disappointment and satisfaction in those venues, they lacked the very human and face to face reality of being accepted or rejected in real life. Today reminded me of how much courage and tenacity is required to sit among your judging staff and competition face to face amid the sweat, anxiety and hope right next to your competitors and comrades. It adds an element that can never be replicated online and I was proud to watch each and every one of those courageous individuals as they pursued their dreams. I was reminded that I too want to be one of those who places themselves out there in the real world to develop and practice my own courage and tenacity. I want the added texture that moving from the virtual world to the real world offers.

Optimism

Almost everything one reads, hears or views in today’s world is filled with fear and dread. The American economy is in a state not seen in many decades. Our new President is faced with a daunting tasks amid thousands of workers losing the very jobs they depend upon to feed themselves and their families. Financial institutions are looking toward the Feds for the equivalent of corporate welfare.

But amid the gloom of today’s times, I can say with much enthusiasm that if we all look beyond our own troubles, we can find elements of life that are truly joyful and important. Recently I asked a local San Francisco community center if I could volunteer to run a four week after school photography program. This is my second week of the project and it is truly the highlight of my week. The enthusiasm of the children is absolutely infectious in a way that is difficult to describe. Since my own children are grown, I sorely miss those moments of utter innocent joy and fascination with new discoveries.

Changes

Today I did something I have wanted to do for quite some time, resign from Onexposure or 1x as it is known today. Since September 1 2007 I have been a member of that community and it has allowed me to meet and befriend several individuals from all over the world. It is a good site, one where viewers and contributors can see the work of relatively unknown but skilled photographers.

But change has to occur for me. As good as Onexposure was for me for a year and a half I found it was time to move on. My goals for my photographic work are different than they were a year ago. I’m no longer content posting images just to see them somewhere recognized or exhibited on a wall in a gallery. No, I want my work to do something for people beyond a moment of pause. So I embark on a new adventure using this artform to assist others in discovering a bit about themselves and those close to them. For me it will take many forms; helping a child recognize their own voice and the uniqueness of their own families. For some I may be able to allow their loved ones to view for the first time how their own performing art affects the lives of others. So many times it is difficult to explain to those closest to us how we feel about the passions we pursue. And if just one of my images can convey that pride and talent to someone close to my subject, then I will sleep a happy man and look forward to the next.