Sunday, October 22, 2006

A photographer grows


I've written before about how our eldest son, Zach, has been nurturing a growing interest in photography. I've been quietly assembling some of his work, and I'm posting the first example in this entry.

This is a view of Gibeau Orange Julep in Montreal. It's what you see here, a giant orange. The place is famously known as "OJ" or "OJ's", and it is a mecca for folks looking for a quick drive-up snack. They sell all sorts of junk food - hot dogs, sandwiches, fries, etc. - but their signature is their namesake drink. Drinking an OJ is like drinking a little piece of heaven. And every time we return home - well, to our former home - a pilgrimmage to OJ is usually on the agenda.

Zach captured this view of the back side of the building, late in the afternoon. We were there with my mom, who stayed back in the car while we walked slowly around the parking lot and looked for things that interested us. He managed to snag a stark, simple vision of something that's been a part of our family's life for longer than he's been alive. His vision is, in so many ways, precisely like mine. Which means he'll likely exceed me as he gets older. That would be a blessing indeed.

Your turn: What advice would you give my son if you could speak to him?

27 comments:

Anonymous said...

Fantastic photo and eye for the unusual.
My message for Zac....Keep your eye on whatever dream you might possess...then bring it to fruition as you did this photo.

Anonymous said...

So you tell us what HIS pictures are, but not yours?

That's an incredible picture. He's quite a photographer. When I was younger, I had a Kodak Disc. And sometimes I'd get my pictures back with a note from Kodak suggesting that my pictures were totally horrible and offering instructions on how I could take better pictures, because they'd always have my thumb in them or be completely dark.

RennyBA said...

I think Zac is into something big when it comes to photographing as he is able to capture life in it's details in a wonderful way. So my advice would be 'keep on, follow your hearts desire of what seams beautiful to you':-)

kenju said...

Zach, keep fostering your interest in photography. This is a wonderful shot; I love the juxtaposition of the ornage ball against the deep blue of the sky. Good for you!!

Michele sent me today.

Shan said...

Advice: Drink more OJ.

I really like that place.

Anonymous said...

Good simple elegant shot.

You know what they say, it takes one to grow one.

(That is what they say isn't it ;) )

Debbie said...

Zach, follow your heart. You have a special gift, a loving father and family that will help you achieve your goals - whatever they might end up being. What dreams you have now may change - but you have the tools to succeed.

Thumper said...

Wow...I love those colors and how bright they are.

Advice...keep shooting from your gut; you obviously can see what the rest of us don't, and if you keep taking shots like this, some day your photos might be hanging on a whole bunch of walls cross the world...

srp said...

Tell your son he has a wonderful eye for color. Those are the colors of Auburn University as well.

srp said...

Another tip for your son: Make sure you keep an eye on your dad and make sure he gives you the picture credit!

I get that from my daughter when I want to use her shots. I have to ask her permission first now.

MorahMommy said...

I have many fond memories of the Orange Julep. I love looking at the world through their eyes.

I would tell Zach to continue to explore and question all that is around him.

He is a great kid and I can't wait to see what his future with bring.

Prego said...

Awesome. It reminds me of a large peach we drive past en route to visit my dad in Greenville, SC. It actually looks like a giant orange rump, which makes it quite amusing.

I wasn't as successful as Jr. there in capturing it with the Nikon.

Anyway, advice? Bury your nose in the works of W. Eugene Smith, Alfred Stieglitz, Diane Arbus, Man Ray and Carmi Levy.

And keep up the good work.

p

Here via Michele today.

Young Lady said...

My message for Zach, you are learning from the best young Jedi!

Shooter said...

He has a great eye. I would tell him to shoot anything that captures his eye and to try different angles of the same subject. Great shot!

Jennifer said...

That is a great picture. At first I thought it was a hot air balloon. I'd say to him that he's got a gift. And I hope that he is proud of himself.

Crazy Single Mom said...

Wow what a good eye he has!
I would tell him to always look beyond the obvious because that is where the beauty lies in everything. And if he keeps his eye and develops it, he will be able to show the beauty and interest of things to the rest of us.

Sandy said...

Advice? Personally I think the best way to take great photos is to see with your heart, not your brain. Oh and practice - the more photos you take the better you'll grow to be.

Clearly the apple does not fall far from the tree Carmi. Tell Zach he's got quite an eye for photos that make people stop for a second look.

scrappintwinmom said...

Wow - a chip off the ol' block! I would tell him to continue to see the extraordinary in the ordinary - just like his dad.
Here via Michele today - making up for yesterday since Blogger wasn't cooperating.

Anonymous said...

Maybe I should ask him for advice! A round orange building? Wow! I thought it was a basketball.

Anonymous said...

Was this the OJ over on the south shore? I've been there many times over the years... I think there is also one up on the Decarie if I am not mistaken.

Advice: Always pay attention to the little things...and never loose your childish enthusiasm. It's the most important thing...

Jeremy

Anonymous said...

To Zac..you have an eye for things...odd and beautiful. Keep it up, click away and bring life to whatever catches your attention.

Jennifer said...

awesome pix but honestly, i wouldnt expect anything less from your offspring!

guess i need to change my WWCP to WWCAZP!!!!!

for those of you who don't know... i was so inspired by carmi's photographs that i've taken some of my own and posted them on my blog as WWCP... meaning, What Would Carmi Photograph! i'm close to making this a meme or something... i've been working on a button for people to use and participate as it seems like several people have been inspired by you carmi to take pix from a different perspective! yes, i'm serious.

Jennifer said...

carmi, it IS official, i did it...

Killired: WWCP official launch

Sandy J said...

Zac: My favorite quote:

Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars!

Anonymous said...

Experiment, experiment, experiment.

Cheers,
Patricia
http://careerspaceezine.com

David Edward said...

from the torah: Honor your Mother and Father that you may live long and well ( paraphrasing, moses)

Zach said...

I know I am soooo awesome