I was really taken by this quote from Dr. Edwin Land, I came across researching after viewing the exhibition of Wim Wenders Polaroids currently running at the Photographer's Gallery in London.
"I think the new camera can have an impact on the way people live. I hope it can become a natural part of people. It can make a person pause in his rush through life. It will help him to focus himself on some aspect of life, and in the process, enrich his life at that moment. This happens as you focus through the view finder. It’s not merely the camera you are focusing; you are focusing yourself. That’s an integration of your personality, right at that second. Then when you touch the button, what’s inside you comes out. It’s the most basic form of creativity. Part of you is now permanent."
Although he was referring to the then new SX70 camera it could apply to taking any photo and I wholeheartedly agree with what he says and it applies whether you are setting up a large format shot or anyone, I often see with gladness, who will stop in the rush of the city observe something different, a change in light, an unusual scene, and bring up their phone to capture it.
"I think the new camera can have an impact on the way people live. I hope it can become a natural part of people. It can make a person pause in his rush through life. It will help him to focus himself on some aspect of life, and in the process, enrich his life at that moment. This happens as you focus through the view finder. It’s not merely the camera you are focusing; you are focusing yourself. That’s an integration of your personality, right at that second. Then when you touch the button, what’s inside you comes out. It’s the most basic form of creativity. Part of you is now permanent."
Although he was referring to the then new SX70 camera it could apply to taking any photo and I wholeheartedly agree with what he says and it applies whether you are setting up a large format shot or anyone, I often see with gladness, who will stop in the rush of the city observe something different, a change in light, an unusual scene, and bring up their phone to capture it.