Photography

It has been an interesting journey to figure out what to do with my interest in photography. I enjoy taking photos, and I love looking at good ones, whether mine or someone else’s. But when it comes to deciding what hobbies to prioritize, my instincts typically steer me away from options that are trendy or expensive, two descriptions that (unfortunately) can be quite closely associated with photography.

I’ve tried to veer away from photography multiple times, including after moving to Northeast Colorado three years ago. We aren’t in the beautiful Rocky Mountains! So, is there even a place for photography in my life?

Rocky Mountain views, an occasional treat

Part of what pulls me back each time is the realization that my strongest memories are those with photos or videos associated with them. Of course, some of my greatest photo treasures include my kids, but I also appreciate the memories associated with JESUS Film projects in Tanzania, things around our house in Pennsylvania, or pretty much all of my mountain hikes. And I wish I had more than just a tiny number of pictures from a business trip to China in 2007.

Ten years ago - Niagara Falls with Zarya

For the general topic of hobbies, two other great things about photography are that it can be a lifelong activity and the results can be shared in a wide variety of ways. Those are two very nice characteristics that push me forward.

I’ve found that I simply like going for walks with my little Sony camera. For one, it gives me just a touch more sense of purpose in my walk. But even more impactful is that I’ve realized it pushes me to notice the interesting and beautiful things around me, something I don’t take lightly in a geographical area many people find dull and barren. Without the camera, my mind will likely go into daydreaming or “analysis of life” mode and miss a lot of my surroundings. Believe it or not, there is beauty in Northeast Colorado! I love the challenge of finding it, noticing it, and recording it.

Taken from my home office window during that unforgettable time period when home offices became very popular

At one of our Fort Morgan parks, which sits next to the South Platte River

Even though there seems to be a plethora of photographers who capture everything imaginable that is good, they aren’t usually capturing the personally meaningful things I want to remember. I’ve discovered I love the service aspect of trying to get good event photos that can be shared so that I and whoever else gets the photos can remember them well.

Some events involve quite a bit of action. I’ve learned I enjoy the challenge of trying to capture fast-moving action well.

Action at an event in PA

Action at an event in CO

Unfortunately, some of my favorite shots involve people, and some of the hardest shots to get involve people. Remember, I’m in a rural town with a wide variety of people types. Wanting to remain on the safe and respectful side, this severely limits what I’m comfortable doing from behind my camera. Many opportunities I see with my eyes don’t result in the raised camera and a click, just in case…

But a few do.

A Sunday afternoon on Main Street in Fort Morgan (taken with permission)

I probably won’t win many photography competitions, but I think photography is a special hobby I’m going to stick with.