"I have often thought that if photography were difficult in the true sense of the term -- meaning that the creation of a simple photograph would entail as much time and effort as the production of a good watercolor or etching -- there would be a vast improvement in total output. The sheer ease with which we can produce a superficial image often leads to creative disaster." - Ansel Adams, Photographer (1902-1984)
Being a photographer for 37 years (a "Professional" one ever since I accepted compensation for my work in my first year - 1973), I have always enjoyed the work of Ansel Adams, the one who has captured many of our National Parks and National Monuments in a manner that only he could have done. The above quote is one that I often think of when on "assignment," whether it be a Family Outdoor Session, or an Eagle Scout Court of Honor. Yogi Photography (our name since 2007) has now been in existence since September 1973 when I first took photos for the Corning High School Annual at CHS (Corning, Iowa), under the tutelage of one of the greatest Teachers of all-time: Mr. John Lenz.
I have been blessed with the companionship of my youngest son, who at the age of 7 (while battling a very debilitating "ailment" that he will live with the rest of his life) tagged along with me on every photo shoot I had scheduled. That year, I bought him his first digital camera, and the "one with the camera" concept was established immediately. That love of photography grew in his heart, and at the age of 9, I began teaching him the concepts of the finer art of Photography; the mindset of the image, how to frame the shot, the different concepts that can be used, and the thought processes of exposure vs. camera angle and when to use both (or using one or the other). He took to it just like a "fish out of water."
That concept continues today, as he is in his 2nd year as the Sports Photo Editor of the Award-Winning Cambia Yearbook of Oak Park High School in Kansas City. He has been recognized by the State of Missouri and the Kansas City Metro Area Journalism Teachers Association (25 Counties in the KC Area) for his photography prowess, as he placed in the top 3 in Football Action Photography (Runner-Up in Missouri, and 3rd Place in Kansas City Metro Journalism Teachers) in both competitions (out of over 900 entries). This year, he has taken it upon himself to photograph every OPHS Football Game, Home AND Away, and chronicle the season as the Northmen begin to inch closer to that final game against Staley High School on Thursday, October 28th (had Staley not opened in fall 2008, all of the students would be attending Oak Park and the enrollment would be 2,800 - approximately what it was the year before Staley opened).
Sometimes photography is all about being at the right place at the right time. Jordan's most memorable photo was taken on October 25, 2008, while we were attending the Simpson College Storm Homecoming football game. We were in the south bleachers (about 120 feet from the action - not a very good vantage point), and Jordan has been taking photo after photo (as was I), when he took a photo of a running play featuring Simpson's star Senior running back, Adam Reutzel. After the play, the PA Announcer informed those in attendance that Adam had broken the All-Time Career Rushing Record with that run, a record that had stood for 40 years. We checked, and it turned out that Jordan had shot that photo in full focus from our disadvantanged photo angle in the south bleachers. We made note of the index number of the photo, continued to shoot the game, and forwarded it via email to the Head Coach the next day. Within 24 hours, Jordan became an instant celebrity at Simpson; of all the photographers on the field and in the stands, Jordan was the only one to capture that play. From that point on, when we shoot Simpson Storm games (both football and basketball), we are on the sidelines or on the court behind the baseline. Jordan has now had extensive experience shooting NCAA contests (with a legitimate Press Pass for each event)! How cool is that?
Photography has a way of "releasing the soul" in a person, opening up their creativity and allowing them to speak through their art. Jordan has found one of his two callings (the other is Vocal Music), and life for him will happily never be the same, thanks to a Canon EOS 1D Camera and his unique perspective of being able to focus on the beauty of human "poetry in motion!" I am very proud of him, and Jill and I are so blessed to have him as our youngest son (as we are with having Josh as our eldest). Jordan, may your 18th year of life leading up to your 18th birthday next September 30th be the best ever thus far! I love you, son . . .
So mote it be.
Think about it . . .
Yogi: 10/5/2010 7:50AM CDT
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