Pictures....Why I Take Them

Thanx to my mother, photography has become a hobby of mine. Seeing the pictures taken by Big Poppa E, Queue and Grandma Dave, has pushed me to continue taking pictures. i only got serious about photography within the last five years. while its an form of art where money can be made, Im not sure if it would be something i could do as a profession. i did have a picture of poet Wally B from Florida used for an article. Having the freedom to take pictures when and where i choose, is a beautiful thing to me. There is no pressure to take the 'perfect' shot. Sometimes, i will take a picture that leaves me in awe and not believing I took it. especially since i dont use a fancy camera with a zoom lens, just an inexpensive Kodak.

I enjoy taking action shots at open mics and slams....i wait for that moment where the poet/poets are being the most expressive. up close and personal are the best shots to me, hence the facial shots. Yea, the pics of the poet just standing in front of the mic are cool but boring. i wanna see the pain, hurt, joy and laughter of the poet. thats when the poet is performing from the 'soul'....

the only negative to taking pictures, which are posted for free, is from those who use a picture without giving credit or a thank you. yes, i do this out of love..but that doesnt mean credit shouldnt be givin.

With me being on a team this year, I had no plans of taking photographs at NPS this year. The kind words of Paradox(thank you brother), moved me to put down the video camera and start taking pictures again. after looking at the pictures taken, im glad Paradox spoke to me. just knowing someone appreciates what you do, makes its worth doing.....