Take a picture, It’ll last longer
My fascination with photography started at an early age when it seemed my paternal grandmother always had a camera in tow. Documenting family moments complete with cars and childhood wardrobe you wish were never captured on film.
Grandma Parsons — once I came on the scene in the early ‘60’s — started with a classic 1950’s Ricohflex film camera that hung around her neck, waist-high, with a viewfinder she looked into to get the perfect shot. She also kept up with technology. The Polaroid Instant Camera became her favorite choice for family photography in the ’70's.
I remember having my own KODAK “FunSaver” 35mm single-use camera as a teenager. Wow, what I’d give to have some of those photos today! No doubt influenced and inspired by Grandma.
Sebastian Smee, a Boston art critic, recently wrote a piece for the Washington Post about a photograph taken at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1958–1959 by Jim Gagnon. Watching over the watchers.
“Why, I wondered, do we cherish representations of things in the world when we ourselves are already in the world, surrounded by real things.” Sebastian Smee, Washington Post
Years later when I had my own family, I became the unofficial photographer, documenting family vacations, holiday gatherings and just everyday life.
Now that those years have passed, the children are creating and documenting their own memories. And as a single person, I get to travel the world with a camera in my pocket that takes images that surpass any camera I’ve owned. And as a bonus, tells me where the museum and craft cocktail bar are located.
Yes, these new images may far exceed the quality of Grandma’s camera. And I’m well aware that those moments with family and lovers will never be recreated.
Isaac Asimov once said if his doctor told him he was dying, he wouldn’t lament, he would just type a little faster. Guess I just need to snap a little quicker — while taking a little longer to enjoy the moments.
