Photographic Themed Tattoo

aaronmichael · May 2, 2011

I've always entertained the idea of getting a tattoo but could never think of anything that I'd REALLY want to get and would be okay with living with for the rest of my life. I'm only 20 so it would have to be something really meaningful. Then a light bulb clicked tonight - why not get something to do with photography!? Either the focal length of a lens, a list of shutter speeds, apertures, the Av or M symbol,...etc.

So, do any APUG members have a tattoo dedicated to their love of photography, and if so, what is it of? Also, any more ideas would be appreciated!

Poisson Du Jour · May 2, 2011

Do be brand-savvy. Perhaps Nikoff ?
PS: You can't see my tatt. It's in a very special place!

Rick A · May 2, 2011

Dont get anything permanent, you will regret inking your body in a few years, then you have to either live with it or endure the pain of removal.

hoffy · May 2, 2011

Rick A said:
Dont get anything permanent, you will regret inking your body in a few years, then you have to either live with it or endure the pain of removal.

Or be like me.....38 and thinking about getting ink for the first time when I turn 40. I think by this stage of my life, I should be well and truly past the peer pressure stage!

Like the OP, I had thought of a Photographic theme as well. Problem is, just about everything is too cliche.....maybe a symbol for F 1.2, but I am not sure what people may think.....Either I have a shallow view of life, or I have an open heart or mind??

Jeff Kubach · May 2, 2011

Tattoos are cool now, but in a few years they won't be.

Jeff

Dan Henderson · May 2, 2011

Rick A said:
Dont get anything permanent, you will regret inking your body in a few years, then you have to either live with it or endure the pain of removal.

Jimmy Buffett describes this as a "permanent reminder of a temporary feeling."

Paul Green · May 2, 2011

family picture framed inside a negative with sprocket holes ect? Just don't rush into getting something done.

removed account4 · May 2, 2011

get a negative and tape it to your arm or wherever you want your tattoo ..
and go to a tanning salon ... you can have a non permanent tattoo of you favorite
negative ...

Matthew Rusbarsky · May 2, 2011

How about the Reciprocity failure graph for Tri-X or a temp correction table? If you get the temp table, make sure it's not in red ink. You would never be able to see it under a safelight.

Chris Lange · May 2, 2011

I have the F mount with the gothic serif'd F from the original Nikon F on my right shoulder blade, because that's what I learned on back when I was a wee child.

Jim Jones · May 2, 2011

aaronmichael said:
. . . why not get something to do with photography!? Either the focal length of a lens, a list of shutter speeds, apertures, the Av or M symbol,...etc. . . .QUOTE]

Such things may be incomprehensible to future generations of photographers as major companies fail, film becomes a novelty rather than a staple, and other technology evolves. Some of today's photographers have never captured an image on film or held a Polaroid.

aaronmichael · May 2, 2011

I realize that this would be permanent but I don't think my love for photography is something temporary. Therefore, if it was done well and it was put in a spot where it wouldn't cause any problems then I don't think I would mind living with it. I honestly don't think tattoos are going to go out of style in a couple years. Also, I don't think that whatever I have done will be incomprehensible to future generations. I'd want to get something that pertains both to analog and digital...like f stops, shutter speeds, ISO numbers, the M symbol,...etc. I think I would only want something in text, no actual photos (which seems kind of backwards for the subject, but then again a lot of things in photography are backwards).

Thank you Matthew and jnanian for the funny responses - made me laugh

Klainmeister · May 2, 2011

I've always joked about getting "expose for shadows, develop for highlights" on the back of my hand so I stop forgetting =P

Just as a sidenote, I got a tattoo about 7 years ago and don't regret it at all. I frankly could care less if other people don't approve or don't like it, it's something for myself. Indeed, I was looking at getting a new one soon.

holmburgers · May 2, 2011

Sorry, this is a completely unhelpful resonse... but I've always thought asking what kind of tattoo to get is kind of like asking what to name your kids.... if you don't know, you're not ready.

That being said, what do you love most about photography? A nicely drawn "f/" would be hard to beat. No number, just the f-stop symbol, in beautiful script, that could work for me.

richard ide · May 2, 2011

If I got a tattoo it would be the word "ELBOW" on my wrist with a small arrow. ;<)

mark · May 2, 2011

If you are going to do it make it something high end and classy
Sinar
Hasselblad
Leica

Punkinhed7 · May 2, 2011

what about photography is most meaningful to you? is there a a system/piece of gear/process that you hold dear and feel that you will continue view in the same light well into the future?

aaronmichael · May 2, 2011

holmburgers said:
Sorry, this is a completely unhelpful resonse... but I've always thought asking what kind of tattoo to get is kind of like asking what to name your kids.... if you don't know, you're not ready.

That being said, what do you love most about photography? A nicely drawn "f/" would be hard to beat. No number, just the f-stop symbol, in beautiful script, that could work for me.

Haha - trust me, I'm just brainstorming for the future. Don't think I'm ready to get one yet. I love your idea about the f/ symbol though. I think that would look awesome in some nice writing like you said.

I love the visual aspect of photography (duh) but the technical side of it is really awesome as well and interests me greatly. If I was going to get really personal, then maybe I'd get "XE-7" somewhere. I first got into photography when I picked up my dad's Minolta XE-7 SLR and started shooting with that. That was around middle school, I took a class in 8th grade, and I've loved it ever since.

Thanks everyone else for the responses. I'd get Sinar, Hasselblad, or Leica if I owned or could afford any of that gear - hahah. Unfortunately I'm just a poor college student. "Expose for shadows, develop for highlights" would be awesome. I feel like I want something that pertains to all photography though, even digital.

MattKing · May 2, 2011

How about an image of a lens aperture?

tim k · May 2, 2011

Save your money, buy a roll of film. Seriously.

Mustafa Umut Sarac · May 2, 2011

Tattoo of Edward Weston Nude to your arm would be lovely !

Umut

Sirius Glass · May 2, 2011

tim k said:
Save your money, buy a roll of film. Seriously.

Save the money, buy a memorable camera. Siriusly.

Steve

Mustafa Umut Sarac · May 2, 2011

Or Big Ansel Adams Clearing Winter Storm picture to your chest.

I always want a very big bw prison style Tea Carrying 19 th century Clipper Ship to my chest.

lxdude · May 2, 2011

Mustafa Umut Sarac said:
Tattoo of Edward Weston Nude to your arm would be lovely !

Umut

A tattoo of Edward Weston in the nude? Yikes!

Mustafa Umut Sarac · May 2, 2011

Photographic Themed Tattoo

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