"The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera." - Dorothea Lange

Saturday, July 27, 2013

why i do it

One of my new pool images made earlier this month

If you saw my recent exhibition (or read the catalogue), you are already familiar with the "ode to photography" I wrote. If not, I hope you enjoy it now.

I was extremely flattered recently when Reid Callanan (director of the Santa Fe Photographic Workshops) asked my permission to share it with incoming students at each of the Sunday night welcome dinners preceding the week-long workshops this summer.

It's really nice to get that kind of validation from someone I have long respected.

Here it is:


Sometimes I take pictures to get a closer look.

Sometimes I take pictures to prove that something happened.

Sometimes I take pictures so I can remember how I felt.

Sometimes I take pictures so I can hide behind the camera.


Sometimes I take pictures because things seem confusing.


Sometimes I take pictures to introduce people to one another.


Sometimes I take pictures to make sure someone doesn’t disappear.


Sometimes I take pictures because it feels good to be alive.

Sometimes I take pictures because the sadness is unspeakable.

Sometimes I take pictures to change someone’s mind.


Sometimes I take pictures because there is nothing left to say.


Sometimes I take pictures so I know which way to go.


Sometimes I take pictures because things will never be the same.


Sometimes I take pictures so I can see things in a new way.


Sometimes I take pictures to give someone else a voice.


Sometimes I take pictures because the "ordinary" is so much more.

Sometimes I take pictures to leave reminders that I was here.


I take pictures because I have to.
And because there are very few things I’d rather be doing.


5 comments:

Anonymous said...

My day is always off to a better start when I find something new on your blog, Gloria. This is another great "pool pic," and your ode to photography deserves to be shared, so I'm glad someone asked you. MJ

Anonymous said...

I just got back from a workshop in Santa Fe where Reid Callanan read "Why I Take Pictures," to all of the students. I thought it was wonderful. I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate it! (Among other things, I'll be able to show it to my wife, and hopefully have a chance that she'll understand why I'm so obsessed with my camera.)
Edward Y.

Anonymous said...

I love this. Thank you for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Fantastic! - JF

Anonymous said...

How lucky you are to bbe able to express yourself visually & verbally..Great post.
S.T.