Picture Perfect

Dan Keitz - my silly smart friend

“Today I finally overcame, trying to fit the world inside a picture frame” - John Mayer

These days of phone cameras and selfies make me think of the song 3 x 5 by John Mayer. The idea he presents in the lyrics are about seeing the world with your own eyes and living in the moment of what you see. I could not agree more. For the most part, I would say to put the camera down and take in everything in the real, raw state. Experience what you see through all of your senses and commit these to your memories. “You should have seen that sunrise with your own eyes. It brought me back to life.” – John Mayer

However, I guess we all really need a Dan (the guy in the picture.) Blessed be the group photographer.

Dan is dead now. My funny and larger than life friend, victim of a cruel ALS diagnosis. I have and treasure my memories of the time I spent with him. Certainly, I can share stories about him with others. But Dan loved cameras and always had one handy. Because of him, I have so many memories that I can show others. And, because of his endless engagement in Kodak moments, there are photos that were snapped of him as well… an occasional return of the favor. I can still see him (and our adventures) anytime I want. I am so happy he clicked away with that annoying camera.

Photos are so easy to save and share now (I lost most of my childhood pictures in a fire) that the group photographer could actually take less or those inclined could take turns. They are nice to have.

I still stand by my ideals of real life experience without distraction (no cameras or phones…) but what a wonderful gift to a team or group of friends or family to have a few pictures. Do you have a “group photographer?”  Find out who these folks are and support the photo efforts as well as the non-camera moments.

Thanks to all you photo artists out there. The rest of us get to (need to) put the phones down (It is being recorded already!) and just enjoy the show.