Anyone who has used a camera knows that there is more to photography than releasing the shutter.  The camera itself, developer and printing chemicals, computers, software, printers, and papers have to be made first before the photographer even begins her or his work.  Planning a photo shoot, calculating time and mileage, or doing set ups and studio shots and checking batteries and equipment are the first part of the individual's journey.  After the photographs are made, they are either developed in the darkroom or on the computer, and then printed or formatted for use in publications.  Meaning that, in the long run, the darkroom or computer work may actually take more time than the shoot itself.  If you love photography, none of these stages is really work but an adventure each time you enter the darkroom or sit down at the computer to render photographs.  There are deadlines for publication as well as those that are self-imposed, and pressures when shooting weddings (only one chance to get it right), but it is still fascinating.  An added bonus is that sometimes, as I did this week, you discover something you never knew about a computer program.

All this is to say that during the past week, I didn't shoot much, but devoted my time to photographic development at the computer, working on the sets of prints and greeting cards I am assembling.  Choosing images, making sure their rendering works well with the papers being used, and each print is what I want.   As they say, the best way to start any day of photography is with a good breakfast.  

breakfast - toast-2

eggs in bowl

And to top it off, one of the great flavors of life, coffee.  

coffee beans

I look forward to getting out and doing some architectural and environmental portrait shoots this month, and learning more secrets of development.  Hopefully, you will be able to do the same.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@