WHO IS BEHIND PHOTOGRAPHYFREE4ALL? Part 1

A few weeks ago, I posted several pictures from one of my self-imposed photo shoot assignments.  (Click here to see those photos)  They were pictures carefully crafted from the simple settings of my office.  Yes, the same office where nearly all of my blog posts are created.  I mentioned at the time that each shot was a tiny glimpse into a life that, up until that time, had remained in designed obscurity.  This obscurity was primarily to maintain our focus on photography.  You see, I really wanted this blog to be about connecting photographers in a way that would benefit everyone who followed Photographyfree4all.  I wanted to learn and I was certain there were others like me who also wanted to learn.  So I thought, what better way than to begin this journey with as many people who might be interested in coming along.

I would like to say that you have far exceeded my expectations!  The amount of people who visit everyday combined with the number of comments, have contributed to the creation of something very special!  A blog where everyone can participate.  Everyone can contribute.  It’s a safe, friendly environment where we all can grow together.  I’ve already learned so much from you!!  It’s all really pretty exciting!!

So after five months, I’ve come to the realization that elusiveness can no longer be a part of this relationship that is developing between us.  In order for this blog to continue to be a real place of education and interaction, I have to become a real person who truly welcomes your participation.

Before we get into who I am, let me share one of my favorite hang-outs!  Huntington Beach, California – perhaps better known as Surf City, USA!

And now without further delay, I post my first pictures in this series of the Photographyfree4all revelation.

This particular shot displays the view over my left shoulder as I face my computer.  It is indeed an Asahi Pentax K1000, 35 millimeter film camera, circa 1980.  This was my first 35mm camera.  It is still in great working condition and still capable of taking some rather nice shots.

If you look carefully, you’ll also notice a Kodak Brownie Hawkeye film camera, circa 1950.  Produced by Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester, NY.
-Film type 620 roll film
-Picture size 2 1/2 x 2 1/2
-Weight 15.5oz (439.4g)
-Lens single element meniscus
-Focal range assume 2m to infinity for most box cameras
-Shutter simple spring w/sliding aperture disc
-Shutter speeds one speed
-Viewfinder single mirror reflector
-Exposure meter none

While it may not be a priceless wonder, it does represent an important part of photographic history – making the camera available to everyone.  The first Brownie cameras sold for only $1.00.

This Kodak Brownie is my latest camera restoration project.

This photograph displays the view to my immediate left as I sit at my desk.  It’s a simple shot that really depicts one thing about me – I love to read!

This picture gives you the first real glimpse into my life.  I wonder if anyone actually looked closely enough to see what might be important in this photograph.  The clues are countless!  First, a glimpse of some of my recent reading.  Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist was one of my early reads this year.  No one is more optimistic than I!  Seriously, I can see the glass half full in the middle of the Mojave Desert.  Up in the Air was another early read for me because of my own flying experience.  My flying experience – now that’s a story you should probably hear one day.

But, there’s more!  There’s something blurred in the background.  It’s a photograph.  Can you see it?  What is it?

I suppose it’s unfair to ask for an interpretation, because only a part of the photograph is visible – but it’s me!  It’s a series of photographs of the starting line, the course, and the medal that also hangs from the corner of the display!  Yes, it’s a photograph of me running the 5K in the Surf City Marathon in February 2010.  I’m a runner.

That’s it for now – but, I’ll be back with more!  After all – you’ve got to hear my flying experience at some point.  And, there are other pictures in that series that will tell even more about the person behind the lens.  It may not seem that important, but to look around your life and see the story – well to me, that’s fascinating!

Thanks for stopping by!  Look for more insights in the near future.

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~ by photographyfree4all on November 10, 2010.