"Do you still take pictures?" This startling inquiry came from a longtime reader of my column and it really troubled me. While I am no longer in the first bloom of my photographic youth, my fingers have not gotten so arthritic that I can't press the shutter release, my legs still take me where I want to go, and I'm still curious enough to go snooping around photographically anywhere I get the chance, be it Biloxi, Mississippi, (where I haven't been yet) or Bora Bora (where I have). Scenics and people fascinate me, whether in faraway places or across the street -- and if I some day must resort to chomping on an air-release bulb to fire off the shutter with my teeth because the rest of me is inoperative, so be it.
Mr. Keppler
The first book on photography I ever read was "Keppler on the Single Lens Reflex", gadzooks, back in the sixties! For a while (15 years,) I read about every word you wrote, and during the middle phase of my life lost touch with you and my cameras. Heading towards the retirement age, I pick up my photography again, and guess who also pops up? Not with Modern now, but Pop/photo, so I suscribed. And from this little excerpt I see that you're doing better than me. Well sir, may you continue for many, many more years to come, and thank you for all you've taught me in the past. I'll look forward to reading you in the future, too.
Your Student, Gord Lucas
PS If you are ever in the Prince George area, give me a call. I at least owe you a dinner.
Posted by: Gordon Lucas | March 29, 2007 at 06:50 AM
Hi Burt:
I am suffering from poor circulation in the legs, diabetes, and can walk maybe 100 yards before I have to rest. So my photography is limited to 100 yards at the time, although I have no arthritis and can still hold a camera quite steadily. I too have read just about everything you once wrote and learned a lot from it. I 5too hope you have many more years....
Bye, Paul A. Elïas from the Sonora desert
Posted by: Paul Elias | March 30, 2007 at 02:04 PM