9.14.2008

"... and I think that's why I still like film so much."

This past week, while teaching, I was asked to recount the main reason I began my photographic journey. I thought back to that vacation in Florida where I first picked up my dad's SLR (Canon AE1). The desire I had to excel at something, my need to compete with my older brother who has skills beyond this world, and my inability to express my thoughts and emotions drove me to photography. As I was talking I realized that these were all good reasons, but my love for photography as a medium came from something deeper.

My dad is my hero and role model, I can't think of any other sole person I want to be just like; while on a short term mission trip to Japan in college my father picked up a Canon FTb, with which he soon fell in love. He took a class in photography and as a music major was highly attuned to the quality of records, old radio and film.

While advising me in high school as to which camera to buy, my dad and I picked up a pro line Canon F1 (the pro version of his old FTb). This camera forced me to learn everything about photography in a fully manual way. It is still my favorite camera, and I realized while I was telling my story that I didn't just love this camera, I didn't just love film... I loved my dad. I wanted to be like him and do somthing that he did back in school, I wanted to do something that he enjoyed, somthing that transported him back to such an intense time of learning and growing.

My dad is my hero... and I think that's why I still like film so much.






4 comments:

Sarah Bradshaw said...

You don't know me, but I saw your blog mentioned somewhere on facebook (I'm an IPS student). This is an amazing post. Wow. Thanks for sharing.

Ruth Ann said...

Hey Ben,

Gotta say I just love hearing the other side of this story. That's a great reason - for the love of being like your dad, becauseu you love him. My dad was actually into photography years ago before I knew him...well, that was before he knew me as well! He hasn't been as into this realm of digital stuff, and I guess I haven't sought him out either, because a lot of the stuff in film can still be applied in digital. So thanks for sharing this, I loved it! By the way, you do a great job of posting pretty often, even in the midst of the busy life of an IPS instructor. :) Thanks for everything and I look forward to this next week of being a student under your training. :) Hopefully by your example I will improve a whole lot...

Oh, and I still don't have 62 GB of free space on my computer...I'll work on it. :)

Till later,
Ruth Ann

Unknown said...

i spoke with your father today....and we had a delightful conversation. Benj your dad is so sincerely pleased with your work, and your heart. I truly see a complete reflection of him in you...

Anonymous said...

My honoring your Dad you also bless my heart as your Mom. Our Lord has given you some amazing gifts and talents to draw upon and you're willingness to give Him the glory for each one ... is what it's all about! Your winsome personality, a listeners temperament, and encouraging ways make for a wonderful teacher. Have a great time with your second week of IPS students in Colorado. QMB