Community Corner
The Shutter Clicks And Another Year Passes
Some thoughts and a few photos on a year past and a year to come.
Once again, barring any sudden encounter with a bus - we are blessed enough to see a new year emerge.
Patch and I are both looking forward to the changes that a new year always brings. With new editors and managers on board you can be sure that there exciting things are going to happen.
My first article in Patch ran on Nov. 27, 2010. This column today is number 222. Not all of those have been of the opinion variety. Meetings have been covered and interviews have been conducted. We have discussed dining, entertainment and sports.
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It has been a pleasure and I am looking forward to continuing our (yes, you and me) little on-line relationship. It would seem that some of you may like me and that most of you tolerate me. I'm sure there are a few of you who think my musings are more of the scatological nature. It all evens out.
My Patch adventure has brought out the latent shutterbug in me. Years ago I was always taking shots with my old Yashica 35mm FR-II. I learned the basics while taking photos in Japan, Korea and the Philippines. I stopped taking photos around 1983 and did not take another one until I started writing here.
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Let me very clear. I do not consider myself a photographer. At best I am a guy with a camera and a good eye. Being a firm believer in the "measure twice, cut once" philosophy, I always take multiple shots. Volume is a good way to guarantee some good results.
In 2012 I snapped over 1200 photographs. Some were planned shots and others were spur of the moment in nature. Each now has a place in my portfolio.
The photos accompanying this article are some of my favorites. They are not all what I would consider to be my best, but they are pictures that I am happy to have taken.
As the new year dawns it is my plan to continue to write, opine and also point my camera at targets of opportunity. It is also probable that somewhere along the line I will try to raise awareness, inform and possibly entertain. Somewhere along the way I may try to create a ruckus if that is what the situation calls for.
You are encouraged to continue to weigh in on the subjects that I raise here every week. Criticism is welcome, but do not be surprised if and when I respond in kind. I like the give and take, even from those who sit around in their cars in donut shop parking lots and then criticize others for doing the same.
Together you and I are A Voice In Salem.
Happy New Year!
