I see photos as the real source of true knowledge (and books, too.) Yeah, I know how every photo ever seen has been manipulated in some way or another, according to my Introduction to Digital Photography instructor. (My neighbors and I are taking a community ed class on Wednesday mornings.) I believe Photoshop is the greatest software ever developed. It’s pretty easy to doctor with pics. But what should hold true, if the photographer is also a historian, is the sense that a photo captures a moment in time.
Much more true and candid than that horid, smarmy “One Moment in Time” video they (being CBS) has to play EVERY TIME after the NCAA Final Four Championship Game. I like college basketball, but that song and all it’s nauseating “moments” is revolting even. Just give me a good AP or Sports Illustrated cover shot. That’s what preserves the moment best.
So now I’ve built up these photos and they’re not all that exciting really. Joe looks like a Druid or something at his book reading. (No disrespect meant to any religion, BTW.) Yes, that’s the lovely blue (non designer, but looks like Royals Blue) Snuggie that Minda’s parents sent to Joe. This is likely the first and last time he’ll be wearing this in public. Taken from at least 10 rows back with my iPhone, so it’s grainy and please don’t use as a screensaver.
Rainy Day Book Event at Unity Temple in Kanas City, Mo., Sept. 29, 2009
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Bumblebee on Butterfly Bush, photo for my Introduction to Digital Photography class assignment. I was just shooting away and rather liked this photo even if I had my point-and-shoot on AUTO because I didn’t remember any of the shutter and lighting settings. I couldn’t think about remembering what aperture was when bumblebees (nature’s endangered species) were buzzing around.
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The bat from Duane Kuiper! Joe wouldn’t pose with his new prized possession, so I found some bat girls. When Joe was opening his surprise package, Liz was pretty astonished that her father’s boyhood hero was sending a gift. “Your FAVORITE player just sent you a bat?” Time will tell, which hero she’ll write about some day.
