Smile For The Camera

I had three sisters growing up and consequently my musical outlook was shaped by early exposure to Santana, The Guess Who, The Beatles, The Monkees and other assorted offerings.

As bright as a Nikon flash in my eyes is the recollection of two camera related songs.  One is really familiar, as in I sort of know the lyrics.

When I think back
On all the crap I learned in high school
It’s a wonder
I can think at all
“Kodachrome” written and recorded by Paul Simon. It appeared on his 1973 album There Goes Rhymin’ Simon.

The other I know better because of the melody so I actually had to look up the lyrics (I’ve never been good at recalling lyrics).

I like your pin shot
I keep it with your letter
Done up in blueprint blue
It sure looks good on you
And when you smile for the camera
I know I’ll love you better
“Peg” by rock group Steely Dan was released as a single from their 1977 album Aja.

How on earth am I supposed to remember that?  Fortunately for you, the links I provide are always easily recalled and if you ever forget the site you wanted just come back to linktrap.com!

In the realm that is photography there are thousands of sites with a colorful spectrum of purposes. When I come across something that catches my eye and it appears worth my time (read: productive) I will naturally gravitate back to it.

I arrived at Photojojo via the store which in and of itself is a super cool offering of photog related stuff! I noticed on their home page they stole a line from a Canadian brewery but in the end – photography is really their one big thing. All you need to have is a camera to “subscribe” and as it turns out it doesn’t even have to be digital.

Photojojo is first and foremost a fun site – it will make you happy!  As it turns out happiness is a precursor to success. I would therefore conclude a happy photographer is likely a successful photographer.

While the Top 20 Ultimate Ways to Use a Disposable Camera could lead to success, I’m thinking something more like, Best Pet Portraits Ever: DIY Backdrops + Strategic Angles for that all important photo guidance you have been looking for! Did I mention that this site is fun?

There’s a forum that may or may not be to your liking.  It appears on a routine inspection, to be a place where people chat it up about all sorts of photography related topics.  Of course there is also a Time Capsule like you would find at any other site (not).  My daughter – who is also a “jojo” and an avid photographer is going to love that bonus feature!

Football? (Photo: John Matthews)

I took this photo in Las Trojes, Guatemala (near Amatitlan) at our Speroway Medical Team Clinic (NOV2010).  Our team (medical, dental & pharmacy) were set up at Escuela Julio Cesar Petz Rodas. In May 2010 Tropical Storm Agatha swept the area destroying the homes of 30 families and damaging the water system.
About the photo: The little boy is likely “dressed up” to attend the clinic, a formal way of honouring us! Dr. Roxanne was taking a rare break from her dental work (largely a non-stop operation).  The “football” is one of many ways to play soccer – sometimes it’s a can, a toy, a rock, but in a poor community, not usually a real soccer ball. Yes, she got past the boy and then missed the net! Last but not least, the sugary drink and many like it are the cheapest way to quench ones thirst.  That’s why this boy really needs a dentist!