Photography

What do they (whoever they are) say about a photo? Something about how it's worth a thousand words? Well, our family has always had an interest in photography. It started with my Opa, Dad's dad, also named Rudolf (it's a family name and actually also PJ's first name). Born in 1904, by age 15, living in Germany, Opa had a camera and was snapping away. 

A view of Bohldamm, the farm Opa grew up on, his sister and mother in the distance, 1919

Photo Opa took of his schoolmates 1919

He used a Zeiss folding camera at one point I know when he was married  to his wife Helen, my Oma. I do not know if that was the camera that took these photos when he was 15, but I still have the Zeiss camera and have taken photos with it myself (the film for it is increasingly difficult to find). 

Dad's Opa, my great grandfather, 1919

Another photo of him taken in the 1930's, during a visit back to Germany

In looking through photos Opa had taken over the years I began to get the feeling he really enjoyed photography. I remember asking Dad about it one time and he confirmed my thoughts. Opa tremendously enjoyed taking photos and capturing moments. I asked him why he never pursued it. That was something Dad didn't know and at the time, growing up, Dad never asked him.  
There are three photos Opa took that are my favorites and instances were I felt he had an eye for this hobby and was noticeably knowledgeable with regards to composition, aperture and shutter speed. Below are the three that stick out for me; however there are many others.

Opa's interest in photography filtered down to Dad. Dad also had a Zeiss camera, only his was a few decades newer. Both cameras; however, required you to know the metric system when focusing on your subject (math was never my strong suit). Both had exceptional lenses and had been kept in mint condition. Dad gave me his Zeiss camera many years ago, having upgraded to something much more modern at the time. I still have it and have taken pictures with that camera also. Below are just a small handful of the photos Dad took.

Backyard of the house Dad grew up in in Maplewood, NJ

Another view of the backyard

Dad's favorite photo he took of his parents

My Opa, taken by Dad

Camera on the timer with Dad at the end of the table. 

I asked Dad why he didn't take more of an interest in photography, because in looking through his  photos, I again felt, as with my Opa, it was something he really enjoyed, and was an interest that could have, should have been nurtured and pursued. He shrugged his shoulders and said, "I don't know, things happened." I took his comment to be just part of who he was. In a way I understood this. Responsibilities needed to be fulfilled. Photography was a luxury that he didn't have time for and unfortunately he didn't make time for it. Practicality & frugality were the reality, so he essentially abandoned it, even though he immensely enjoyed it. I have often wondered what he could have done or would have done though had he continued with this art form.
PJ and I ended up taking a huge interest in photography and Dad did foster that. When I was a little kid, Dad bought me my first camera at a garage sale. It was a Brownie and I will never forget it. I had the flash for it and everything. For me it was the coolest thing since sliced bread (and I will make the argument for sliced bread being pretty cool). I've been hooked on photography and taking photos ever since, always trying new techniques, always reading up on different ways to capture an image, make it tell a story, make you feel an emotion. When I had enough money of my own I invested in my own camera, a Pentax K1000. I still have it and still use it occasionally. While digital photography has become the dominant force and there are a million and one little modifications you can do with a digital photograph, there is still a nostalgia I feel towards actual film. With real film, I always felt you needed to really know what you were doing, versus the point and shoot, upload onto your computer and apply a filter, that runs rampant these days. PJ ended up following the same path as me, having the same passion as me, as Dad, as Opa. Over the last few years he has parlayed that into becoming a wedding photographer for small parties typically marrying at one of the bed and breakfasts in and around Rockland. One of the hallways in his inn proudly displays his photography of Maine. Below are just a couple of photos PJ and I have taken.

Winters Night, South Paris, Maine taken by me

Sunset from Streaked Mountain taken by me

Calcata, Italy taken by PJ

Venice, Italy taken by PJ

Several years ago PJ and I bought Dad his first digital point and shoot camera. Never one to spend money on himself, he was tickled pink to receive this gift. To this day he keeps it in the armrest of his car, for unexpected moments to capture. The interest is still there and I love that. I hope it flourishes when he comes home.