Every Coed's Dream Job

For most people, and, I'm convinced, every female with an undeclared major, at some point in time they decide that they are going to be a photographer. For guys it's to impress the girls by being different and for girls it's to think of themselves as creative. Regardless of the reasons, I too, at several points in my life, thought that photography was the thing for me.

For a time, the only thing separating me from a career as an astrophotgrapher, marrying my passion for astronomy with an interest in photography, was the lack of funds to purchase a CCD imager - something that, at the time, was a little hard to come by (like plutonium in 1955).

Prior to that I, like many other kids, loved to take pictures. I thought my pictures through and tried to compose meaningful images. When I was about 14 or so I came up with an idea for a series of pictures that to this day I still think, if done correctly, would make any art lover proud.

The idea is simple, really, and undoubtedly has been done before. I would go around and take pictures of old barns, particularly ones in disrepair or that had been damaged by storms or fires. I see these images in my head, high in contrast, gently rolling hills of harvested fields in the background, a rusty fence in the foreground to add some depth. I've composed so many of these images in my head and driven past so many great opportunities but I've never just gone out and TAKEN a series of pictures, I've never just DONE IT.

I've had my share of lame excuses. When I was 14 I was totally convinced that one of the first things I would do with my drivers license was to take my 35 mm Canon camera out to take the pics, but somehow, an interest in the fairer sex ended up taking precedence.

Once again I am going to go for it. I might not end up with the greatest images but at some point this weekend I am gonna go out, enjoy a nice drive around Washtenaw and Monroe Counties, visualize some images and take a roll or two of pictures.

Sounds like a nice way to welcome in the season.