Which is my way of admitting I'm addicted to the arcane subset of photography that involves walking into a grocery store and taking pictures of whatever's on sale. I have no idea how this little vice of mine took root or why it's evolved as it has. I do know that it's almost gotten me escorted out of the Wal-Mart once, and it's resulted in my being left alone by my annoyed wife on more than one occasion. Yet I still persist.
It's not as if the resulting photos are especially unique. They're pictures of everyday foods, after all, shot hastily under bad lighting, often with my BlackBerry's camera because to haul out the DSLR might actually result in my being forcibly ejected or, gasp, hauled in for questioning by mall cop wannabes. I won't be blowing these up to poster size or submitting them for gallery displays.
Then why?
Because I view grocery shopping as one of those necessities of modern life that, depending on our attitude can either be a chore or an opportunity for enjoyment. I choose enjoyment. When I tag along with my wife, it's a date. It isn't champagne and candles at some swanky restaurant, but that's precisely the point. It doesn't have to be. It's simply a time for us to be together, and I've never believed in limiting those opportunities to nights out or special occasions.
Indeed, special occasions can happen anytime if we let them. Even in the fish section.
Your turn: How do you make the ordinary seem special?
One more thing: These fish are far from home, though I strongly suspect they're patently unaware of that fact. Our own Thematic far-from-home journey continues...here.
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13 comments:
I have taken somewhat similar pictures, Carmi.
Although in that case, I was sympathizing...
~
If I must be far from home, let me not be found on ice!
I have never photographed while doing groceries. Usually I am too hungry. :) Last time I came across something ordinary-ish unexpectedly, I too only had my small pocket point and shoot and not my DSLR. It was on a summer hike and it was just some drying mud.
Ok ... I will confess ... I almost always have a camera with me ... cause you just never know what might strike your creativeness. I am pretty sure ... yup... pretty sure ... that I have not taken pictures in the grocery store. I have at the Farmer's Market. Does that count? AND ... my Spouse pretty much has the same reaction as your's.
That's a nice looking fish - hope you bought it! In this part of the world shopping is a VERY photogenic experience - middle eastern souks are not quite the local Tescos. Here's my recent trip to the Deira Fish Souk:
http://dubai-ified.blogspot.com/2011/01/early-bird-catches-fish.html
How cool it will be if we have a lady gaga's much advertised Polaroid camera at CES show in Las Vegas, then no one knows you're taking pictures. If anyone gets annoyed then you can take theirs and even print it to:)
I have to admit, after reading this, I have the urge to go to the Grocery store and take pictures...
I honestly don't believe I make anything ordinary special... But Challenge excepted Carmi!!
I love taking the ordinary and making it special in my photos. I try different angles, edits, crops any thing I can thing of to make it more creative. I have found that this has crept into my while life and I look at what is going on around me differently.
I carry my camera with me almost all the time and I have taken many pictures in stores, Things I'd like, photos of toys I think the grandchildren would like; to send to their mom or dad so I know for sure they will like it and will not get a duplicate. I like the rows of repeated designs; its very graphic. I like to take pics of the people too. Son helping mom load groceries- very expressive talkers waving thier arms and hands in the air. It's just plain fun and it is part of everyday life.
Johnina :^A
I forgot that I actually did a post on my blog about taking pictures in a store
http://young-eclectic-encounters.blogspot.com/2009/10/doctor-then-fun.html
It's an older post and it was done in a bookstore, but it was fun to do
Johnina :^A
i've got to admit...i haven't taken pic's while grocery shopping...mainly because i HATE food shopping! i just want to get in and out FAST!
not that i haven't seen things that i thought...oh, cool...that would be a good shot...
OH! and i've taken pic's of fish too...also on ice...after we've gone fishing! YUM!
Well, we sometimes seem so busy with our lives, that we don't take a look at what's around us. So once in a while, I like to just walk to a place, instead of taking a bus and just enjoy what I've been passing by everyday quickly.
Well.. Something like that, anyway. :)
I like photographing in stores, too, and I can't figure out why people object.
sometimes if it's a small boutique I ask permission, and they usually say yes. I am careful not to photograph things that may make them think I am trying to pirate their intellectual property. sometimes I even imply that I'm taking the photo so I can have an absent friend, relative, or boss approve it for purchase.
But I never can understand why they object to photos in a food store. what's the concern?
I like fish photos as much as you do!
I have hundreds of photos I've taken at the grocery store, mall, etc. I enjoy these trips with my wife, but I need something else to keep myself occupied. Photos!
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