Photo Life Magazine
April/May 2012, Volume 37, Number 3
Takin' it SlowWith this spring issue, we’d like to invite you to take things more slowly. Life goes fast—so fast we think it’s impossible to go any faster, but then the pace just keeps speeding up. Sometimes fast is what we like; other times we long for a slower rhythm but can’t seem to find the way to make it happen.
One idea to curb the frenzy is to create a space where things go at our own pace—the pace we’ve chosen, not the one that feels imposed upon us. This can be done in many ways: playing sports, reading a book, listening to music, or playing an instrument. Perhaps photography helps you step away from your daily routine, or perhaps photography IS your daily routine. In either case, let’s do a quick exercise. Close your eyes, take a deep breath and pause to reflect. Why do you practice photography? What is the role of your equipment? Which photographic projects do you dream of accomplishing? By reconsidering our goals and motivations, we can take a more contemplative approach to photography and create a “reflection zone” where fast becomes somewhat irrelevant.
Technology moves rapidly too and impacts the entire photographic field. Who would have thought that Kodak would go from the front-runner in the industry to its current position? Think of what has happened to photo gear within the last 20 years—even within the last 10 years—isn’t it incredible? How amazing are these new tiny cameras packed with power and possibility? Can you imagine what the new advancements will be in 20 years?
It’s exciting... and a lot to keep up with! Creating a deliberate space to slow down and reflect can help us better appreciate and use these new tools in a balanced way. The Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day will take place on April 29. Maybe this could be a good occasion to try something different or to retry something old. Temporarily set aside the high-tech photographic artillery and pick up a pinhole camera, the most basic and ancient image-capturing tool. You could also try out the exercise to practice the “Slow Photography” approach (on page 34). Both techniques will give you a fresh perspective on the way you see photography and on your practice of this amazing art.
This issue also features the winning images of our annual photo contest. Visit the
online winner's gallery to see the amazing images from both pro and amateur photographers in the theme categories of Humanity, The Environment and Our Interconnected World. Thank you to all participants!
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