By Jon Vemo
To quote a photographer I’ve followed for some years, Rick Sammon, “I specialize in not specializing.” Why limit yourself, why focus only on one or two particular photographic genres, when there is so much that life offers? Sure there may be things that you are more interested in or passionate about – and that’s OK. But when it comes to creating images, I, like Rick, prefer to be open to whatever I find of interest.
Like so many people that carry a DLSR or one of the new mirrorless, when out with my camera, I am often asked about what I do and what my specialty is. I’ve tried to answer this in many different ways, but I have recently landed on, “I photograph life around me” – meaning what I see or whatever is happening around me that I find interesting. I enjoy a beautiful landscape, I am intrigued by unique people I see on the street, an object with unique lines or appearance, or any other activity that I find interesting.
The colors, the smells, the people of a vibrant public market…
Pike Place Market, Seattle, WA
Several years ago while visiting the tulip fields in Washington’s Skagit Valley, I came across a tulip growing from a highly unlikely spot…
Skagit Valley, WA
I do not really consider myself a bird follower, however when presented opportunities to make an image of natures more majestic winged creatures, I am quick to reach for my camera…
Sonoran Desert Museum, Tucson, AZ
I am also often intrigued by lines, leading and otherwise, and applying different techniques to create that unique image;
Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Superior, AZ
Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Superior, AZ
And especially the beauty of the Pacific Northwest coast;
Oregon Coast, Oregon
So my advise to those starting out in their photographic journey (as well established photographers seeking inspiration), is not to limit yourself to a particular form of photography. Go after the images that interest you, what excites you. After all, it’s about following a passion and what interests us, and we shouldn’t limit ourselves on the images that we create.
Jon Vemo is a Volunteer with Arizona Highways PhotoScapes