Take A Walk With A Camera

Then Listen To Your Heart, Instead Of Your Head

“That Tiny Wire” — Image by Author

I went out walking with my camera this morning. I had no agenda, nor destination in mind. I knew I would end up in a cafe at some point, but that was down the road a ways.

I felt like I had gotten off track the last number of days. Too often there, Was, an agenda or destination calling, that had little to do with making images. I was longing for this simple practice, of walking with my camera. This practice I call home.

All I knew this morning was, I needed to turn my head off completely, follow my feet, and see with my heart.

My feet stopped every time something caught my eye. Then I listened for what my heart had to say.

The image above is all about lines, patterns, and textures. I kept hearing, “Get closer, no closer.” So I did. It was that tiny piece of bailing wire that was calling the loudest.

“Antique Etching Press” — Image by Author

I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for printmaking. Seeing this view through an open window felt like a gift from the gods, of another lifetime.

This is an antique etching press. Place the etched copper plate on the center of the bed. Then carefully lay the moistened paper atop the inked plate. Cover this with a printer’s blanket, and adjust the pressure based on a lifetime of experience.

Then slowly begin to turn that spoked wheel on the left. Turn it with a slow and steady rhythm until the plate and paper sandwich come out the other end.

Remove the blanket, and slowly begin to lift one corner of the paper. Then take a peek. If all was done properly, and the gods were smiling, the ink was perfectly transferred from plate to paper. Then it would be time for a grin of satisfaction, and a wink upwards, to the printing gods.

“Playing Tricks With My Eyes” — Image by Author

This one plays tricks with my eyes. My heart loves it when this happens to my eyes. A bit of altered reality. Which is…