Say Cheese!
Every good photographer needs a camera gracing his or her tree. This is one I bought at the Portland Museum of Art gift shop a couple of years ago, but never hung it from the tree until this year. It's kind of apropos too. My Aunt Gloria passed away last winter, and she is the person who first placed a camera in my hands. While teaching on an Air Force base in Germany, she picked it up in the PX and brought it back home for my 10th birthday. It was big, with lots of silver and looked official. It had quite a different look than the Brownie flash cameras that were so prevalent at the time. I still remember the first shots I took of my friends sitting on the Nelson's porch. I wonder where they are?
That simple gift started me down this photography road, and I am forever grateful for that!
Ok, everybody SMILE!
Nice memory. I remember begging my mom for a camera before we took a family vacation to Philadelphia for the bicentennial. I was 9 at the time and it was a no go for the camera. I had to wait another year or two. Aah, the missed opportunities!
ReplyDeleteI had a similar start with a camera that was a gift but, I must admit that a crush on the guy at the camera store really pushed me. I loved to take my film in there for processing and discuss the photos with him.
ReplyDeleteLove that you remember that first camera, and love that your aunt chose just the right gift for you.
ReplyDeletewow love the vintage camera, it's precious! :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays dear friend!
hugs
Léia
Looks like the little lass with the orange hair would like to get her hands on that camera. Little did your Aunt know....
ReplyDeleteI never cease to be amazed by your photos and your posts. This one appeals to me even more than they usually do. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteClick! My first "real" camera was a Kodak Retinette that I bought for $20 at the Navy Exchange in Port Lyautey, Morocco in 1957. It was a great camera.
ReplyDeletewhat an awesome memory. life-changer.
ReplyDeleteBless your Aunt Gloria for helping make you a photographer. Now I need to look for a camera ornament to hang on our tree. My first ever camera was a Kodak Brownie, and I had a kit that allowed me to develop b&w film and make contact prints 2 1/4 X 3 1/2. I was hooked.
ReplyDeleteA nice Christmas post!
ReplyDeleteA lovely gift from Aunt Gloria...you never know what gift or idea in childhood will open a special door...Your first photos: Ozzie & Harriet's front porch!! Ricky & David were your friends? (I wouldn't be surprised...)...
ReplyDeleteLove that ornament. That is that I can say I don't have on the tree. Maybe next year.
ReplyDeleteMaking me think I need a camera ornament....
ReplyDeleteWe went to the International Center for Photography in Mew York today. There was a bowl full of buttons for photographers in the shop. One said "focus." Another said "pretend I'm not here." Perfect for street shooters, all the ornament you might need.
ReplyDeleteAunt Gloria was way cool, what a great pressy for a 10 year old, exciting!!
ReplyDeleteIt is wonderful to discover the love of photography. It was a gradual process for me, but your story is captivating.
ReplyDeleteare you wondering where the photos are or the Nelsons?
ReplyDelete