This was one of the first things I loved about photography: that element of chance. Of course, its much more pronounced when you can’t just look at a little screen on the back of the camera and see what you got. Not to say that this isn’t convenient and all, especially when you’re photographing a wedding or whatnot, but something magical lies in prying open a developing tank and stretching the film out before you with no idea of what you’ll find. Sigh…please pardon the nostalgic moment.

Aside from the trip down memory lane, I suppose the advice I’d dispense for the day (’cause that’s what keeps you coming back, isn’t it?) is to photograph everything and anything that catches your attention, no matter how odd or unworthy of photographic attention it may seem.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve become distracted with some weird little detail only  to emerge from the little world I sometimes go to with my camera and find someone staring at me like I’ve gone round the bend.  Usually it’s my dad…we have different ideas about art.  Very different.  Anyhow, that’s part of being a photographer, or at least the person with the camera in their hand at that very moment, if you don’t fancy yourself an artist.  You get to decide what’s important and direct your viewers’ attention to it.  Just make sure you use your power for good and not evil and you’ll be all set.   Remember: with great power comes great responsibility.