Playtime!

One of the oft-repeated adages of photography is “the best camera is the one you have with you.” There are a lot of reasons that is said–obviously if you don’t have a camera with you, it’s hard to take advantage of photographic moments. Some people always carry their DSLRs (as I did on a 365 project I did in 2008), some people carry around a compact or use their iPhone (this is a big one these days). I carry around my Panasonic GF1 with me most of the time when I don’t have either of my Canons.

The point of my post today, however, is not to list or argue the advantages of always having a camera with you, but to remind you to take some time to play. Take images you wouldn’t normally take–pay attention to colors, patterns, shapes, whatever. Experiment, unafraid of failure. The worst thing that happens is that you delete the photo and no one ever sees it. The best thing that could happen is a compelling image that you wouldn’t have otherwise taken, or possibly another technique to add to and inform other work.

Plus, it’s fun.