Photography Fun

February 25, 10:59 PMRecreation ExaminerIris Carter

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 Often, while driving, I have seen something unusual or particularly beautiful and regret not having a camera. I now keep a digital camera in my purse and don't have to worry about having a roll of film, or wonder how long the film has been in the camera. Camera phones work in a pinch, but the quality and stability is not as good. I still use film for some projects but the digital offers great flexibility.

Armed with a camera to use at a moment's notice can also give you the initiative to literally stop and smell the roses. Take time to get out of the car and actually capture the picture-perfect sunset, a field of wildflowers, the horses grazing or the funny billboard. Recognizing these photo opportunities and taking advantage of them is a great stress-reducer. Deadlines and grumpy bosses fade away when you get out of the car, take in fresh air and focus on something that is totally unrelated to the hassles of the day.

When spring fever hits, grab the camera and take a walk during your lunch hour. Whether you drive to a local park and enjoy the scenery or people-watch in center of the city, there are always photo-ops. Building structures, architectural details, and animated people make wonderful targets, again removing your focus from the pile of work on your desk. 

An added bonus for digital cameras is the photos can be deleted. If you mess up a shot, get rid of it! This is a great way to get kids interested in photography, too. They can practice a LOT without going through the expense of film developing. Write a list of items to photograph and then take them through the neighborhood or to the park for a scavenger hunt.  The list can include items such as: a squirrel, a bird, something yellow, water, something floating, something in the air, something in a tree, a sign, a baby, a bird feeder, a bench, a light, an insect. Be as specific or as general in the list as you wish.

Enjoy relieving stress, get the kids to participate and then come back here for a series of articles on fun ways to actually use the photos!