Shop Talk

I was out in the community on Thursday and I got to talk a teeny bit with a photo-journalist from the Modesto Bee.  I was busy and he was trying to do his job-- but I squeezed in a few annoying questions anyway!  I think that hardest thing about this pursuit of photography is that everyone wants to be a photographer!  So, it makes me feel foolish.  You know?  Like, I am just jumping on a bandwagon, being a groupie- everybody is trying to find their creative outlet this way!  And, there are so many "photographers" out there, taking pictures and charging fees that in my opinion, aren't very good! I don't want to be that girl. :)  Many times, this thought line is why I consider stopping and letting it go.  So, here I was talking to this photographer a little and I know he must have wanted to roll his eyes.  But, he was polite and seemed to be a pretty quiet guy.  He answered my questions about the equipment he was using. I asked him about his journey- what's the best way to learn..what classes or books?? He said about 3 times, "Take pictures."  Basically, nothing will teach like doing it.  That must be true- but I expressed my frustrations with being stuck in a problem and not knowing how to trouble-shoot.  He finally understood, I think-- but I had to get back to my task of the day and I'm sure he just wanted me to shut up so he could finish the job! :) So, I shut up and got back to work-- but it was fun to get to talk a little.  It would have been more fun to ask what his favorite type of work is, and ask him to describe the most interesting thing he has documented with his camera, etc.  Oh well. :)