Even in graduate school, I was not fond of clinical
research or their methodologies.
I was very surprised to discover on both of my favorite
photography websites, dpreview and imaging-resource, provided a link to a research
article on photography, engagement and enjoyment.
I was even more surprised to discover that I enjoyed the
article.
If you are a research geek, don't worry; the authors give important
details on their thesis, their methodologies and their detailed research
protocols. If you are a research geek, they provide enough info to get you
excited about their research.
Despite the research details, the article was an interesting
read. More important it provided important data about the benefits of
photography, of actively taking photographs. It didn't matter whether you used
a pro camera, a point & shoot or your cell phone. Taking photos provides
significant benefits. They found that actively taking photographs, helps a
person focus on what is unfolding before them, increases the engagement of a
person with that which is before them and importantly helps the person enjoy
the experience more.
Their findings are
not just a reflection of my bias of enjoying taking and sharing photos but indicate that
all people who take pictures increase their engagement and their enjoyment
of the experience.
I shared the article with a friend of mine - she already takes
phone photos of her events. She became excited about the article and found the
article reignite her interest in photography. She has decided to go deeper into
photography.
Some professional photogaphers might be a little upset with
the article. An aspiring professional photographer who I met at a business
networking event, said the one problem they have as a professional is controlling
the crowd. He seemed upset that "amateur" or "family"
photographers might interfere with his grand "professional" image
making. I believe the research proves
the silliness of his position. Everyone is more engaged and having a better
time when they photograph. I would bet, that each photograph taken by everyone
trying to capture the scene or event would be different.
When taking a photograph of some key people at the Kumon
Race for the Cure ( I was one of their official volunteer photographers), I
found myself surrounded by about six photographers on my right and six on my
left. They were all waiting for me to set up the shot. I was amused and glad
that they were also taking photographs. I didn't feel they were competing with
me. I am sure that each of our photographs would be slightly different ... each
one of us were focusing on the element of the scene that was attractive to us.
Each photograph would give a different engagement with the subject and a
different perspective on the people who were in the photo. Everyone who was taking the photograph was involved with
the subject. How beautiful.
The research of Kristin, Gal and Alixandra gave us an
insight into the joy of photography.
Check out their article.
Do you accept the challenge to more
actively use your camera phone or fancy camera to deepen your engagement?
To
deepen your joy?
If so let me know .
Authors
Diehi, Kristin ~
Zauberman, Gal ~ Barasch, Alixandra
Sources:
http:// dx.doi.org/10.1037/pspa0000055
From dpreview
www.dpreview.com
From Imaging-resource www.imaging-resource.com
Just a reminder that the 4th of July fireworks
will be happening soon.
Get your camera ready and take photos.
About 1 week before the event, I will be
posting some hints about taking firework photos on my blog.
I will share a teaser -
When taking fireworks photos it is possible to
capture the fireworks display or
if can provide an opportunity to paint with
light.
Which will you do?
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