Thanksgiving : A Photo Toast

Photography can launch a lifelong journey! Many people regard photography as a fun activity. They purchase a camera and begin a photographic trek. Experience teaches through some trial and mostly errors. Today,photography - whether via a disposable camera,single reflex lens camera, digital or video camera- has come a long way.

Individuals who engaged in photography at the turn of the century had little competition. Before the masses learned the craft, photography was reserved for special occasions. A wedding, though simple and inexpensive decades ago, ended in a studio. The photographer captured a photo of the newlywed couple and the bridal party.The bridal party consisted of a Maid or Matron of Honour and the Best Man.They were needed as witnesses to sign the marriage documents according to cultural traditions.

When a baby arrived, it was 'christened' then photographed. Godparents participated in this auspicious event - one in which the child was presented to God. Later, when the child learned to stand and walk, this event was celebrated with a photo.too. Photography was needed then; and it is more lucrative now.

Everyone has a mentor - either directly or indirectly. This individual may be admired from a distance at first; then observed closely when trust develops. Sometimes, the influence of one individual may spark an interest; and this in turn may result in a conflagration as others learn more and begin to practice the skill. My interest in photography began in New York city when an aunt there purchased a cheap camera . She had noticed my deep admiration for it and granted my desire to own it. That camera served as a revered,practical treasure.

My uncle enjoyed photography ; and after observing him, visions of photojournalism danced in my head. Like the speaker in The Road Not Taken, I took a different path; and that has made a difference. Hundreds have benefitted from that camera purchase;and during the years, one person returned to say thanks as he owns his own photography business.

Included among the relics - some gifts - that have aided me in my photographic zeal and quest for artistic excellence were a Diana, a Brownie, a Retina S1[purchased in Switzerland], a 110 and 126 camera, a Polaroid, an Olympus OM1, a Super 8 movie camera, Casio LCD digital , Sakar, Sony and Canon digitals and a high definition video camera kit [the latest purchase]. The digital photos on this hub have been captured by a Sony or Canon digital camera.

A person who enjoys photography has to determine to pursue a goal. Of course some individuals wait for the perfect conditions. Some people may experience a 'lucky strike' ; but they are few and far between for most photographers. Since photography is a discipline, an individual can choose to abide by its laws or ignore them. One time, I had my Olympus OM 1 at a certain setting; and i used to get 24+ good shots by using the lead. Someone at a photo studio convinced me that my setting was incorrect; and I allowed him to adjust it. When I developed the next roll,I had 16 good prints from a roll of 24 film. After that experience, I reset the camera and decided to live by the philosophy that if it isn't broken,do not fix it!

Artists, like my two gifted brothers, consider lighting, perspective and other factors. These are critical to good photography. During my college years, I laboured in the darkroom, using the techniques that were taught and discussed during the course. The passing grade was a B for everyone. What happens after a course? Use what you can from it then employ intuition and common sense. Keep purpose in mind too. Photography, to me, is a hobby. My photojournalistic instincts cry for it; but they cannot be satiated now.

When I think about the sunrise, I recognize that with a new day, there are opportunities and problems that may not have existed previously. Take them one step at a time. Lady Finger, a hot pepper, reminds me that it is a seasoning.There may be other peppers that are hotter.Whether you are bird, habenero, jalepeno or Lady Finger pepper, be yourself.Pepper, according to research, has its value because of the benefits of capsacin.

Scarlet plums, like dilly and cantaloupe, are savoury fruits. Scarlet plums bring the text in Isaiah 1:18 to mind.

Come now and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red as crimson, they shall be as wool.

Dilly is naturally sweet ; and if you cannot obtain yogurt,this fruit will 'florify' without the milk. Fortunately for me, my fruit suppliers grow giant dillies and small,sweet ones in abundance. I can choose and refuse, pick and not pay!

Some people prefer cantaloupe to watermelon. Both of them - as well as honeydew - are grown in the backyard. During the last harvest, the fruits from the vine averaged 10 pounds. Some individuals in this locale produce fruits and vegetables from the vine which weigh 25 or more pounds! Since this region is dry, imagine what the results might be if there was more rain!Thank God for His goodness!

Gardens announce the artistry of the gardener. Plants are arranged according to height - in ascending order - or according to the whim of the gardener. Landscaping demands more than what meets the eye. Like photography and any profession,it involves discipline and skill.

One writer declared:

"A thing of beauty is a joy forever."

Whether you appreciate the things of beauty or not, they embrace you. Beauty, some believe, is in the eye of the beholder. In one book with thought provoking stories, one of them told about a wall. Two men lay in the hospital ward .One had been placed next to a window. He used his imagination and described scenes that cheered his roommate. When the man in the bed by the window died, his roommate asked the nurse to place him in the bed by the window. However, when he looked out the window, he discovered a blank wall. Beauty, more profound than the physical, is rooted in the soul!

Thanksgiving, to some people, is merely a day - a festive occasion for family and friends. Let me tell you something. Some individuals have never seen the traditional turkey except in illustrations or pictures.!In fact, I have met Americans who mistook chickens for turkey and a crane for a duck! The conclusion is simple. Thanksgiving has to be more profound than turkey and pumpkin pie. In fact, thanksgiving is, in actuality, thanks - living! A survey, via a question on HubPages  Forum yielded few responses. What are prominent reasons why individuals are thankful? The low response revealed that either the question was not understood because of 'prominent', the hubbers did not want to be bothered ; or they have no reason to be grateful or thankful.

One songwriter says:"Every day is a day of thanksgiving..."

Whether a person acknowledges God or not does not change facts about Him. The same is true about any belief system. The world goes on whether you are atheist, agnostic,universalist, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu or uncertain. Each day, no matter the circumstances, there is a reason to be thankful. Just possessing the ability to read a hub or assemble one provokes a reason to thank someone - family, friends, teachers,fans, fellow hubbers... and many more. Give thanks.