Seeing The World Through Various Lenses

As far back as I can remember, I've had a camera in my hands. My fascination with the world and people around me dictates that I should capture as much of it as possible. While this is a noble and, I would argue, essential trait for any photographer to possess, it is can also be quite cumbersome.

Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, is one of my favorite places to visit with my Canon 5D. The worlds that Disney constructs are monumental, extravagant, and through anyone's eyes, quite detailed and even intimidating. As a photographer, I find myself twice as intimidated, feeling an obligation to capture the sights through various lenses, including my own. To those dealing with the same burden, I say this: capture the memories with your own eyes first, together with those around you. Soak up every bit your senses can take in, and allow yourself to become lost, for that is the intent of the "Imagineers" of the parks. The same can be said for any extraordinary location in the world, from your local downtown, to the Taj Mahal.

Yes, shoot with your eyes first. Absorb the ambiance around you, and your memories will be all the more powerful for it. Get lost, roam, talk to the locals, feel the force surround you, etc. Then, arm yourself with your camera, and shoot, shoot, shoot! With a better sense of the space you're in, you are more adequate to capture it with your various lenses, and more meaning will be present in your photos.

It is intimidating to behold something so grand, and feel the burden that it should be captured by your hand, but know this is not a burden, but a gift; a creative gift from God. So go see the world around you and craft some memories!