I have observed people doing scores of things with a camera. This one guy I know whose weapon of choice is the Canon Powershot S3 IS got into photography because his theory is that photographs increase one's self esteem. He explained it to me once. It was interesting to see the way that someone else's mind works when it comes to my favorite pastime. Especially since his motivation for taking pictures is far different than my own. Not that I don't like the whole "feel good" idea. It's just not what pushed me forward on this particular road.
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When he talked about self esteem achieved through the Canon Powershot S3 IS he was referring to it in two different ways. Firstly, he meant his own. The idea being that as his proficiency with his Canon Powershot S3 IS grew, he felt better about himself and what he could give back to the world. He said that it made him feel like he was contributing somkething that only he could. I can relate to that part of the explanation completely. I get a similar sensation from taking my own photos. I think we all feel better about ourselves when we feel like a valuable part of greater society.
The second thing that he mentioned was his own though. While I am more of an all around photographer who takes pictures of most anything that I find to be moving, he takes them exclusively of people. His theory is that he can make anyone feel better about themselves with the power of the Canon Powershot S3 IS. That when people come to him to have their picture taken, he can paint a portrait with that lens, showing off their best qualities, and capturing them for all time. Posing them, making sure that their clothes are perfect on them, and that they don't look awkward as they stand. Shooting from their good side, under the best, most flattering light. Taking the picture over and over again until he's sure that he has exactly what he wants. And several versions of it too, just in case he notices later on that the subject blinked at an inopportune moment.
He was telling me that if he does his job just right, that Canon Powershot S3 IS might as well be a magic wand, taking away imperfections, and making absolutely anyone beautiful. Thus giving anyone that he can a nice bump to the self image.
It's an interesting theory. Not that I don't feel like a great picture can accentuate someone's best features. It certainly can. I just never chose to imagine myself with so much power behind the camera. A bit too self aggrandizing for me. I try to remain humble. It is always a treat to hear someone else's take on the world though. Especially views on photography and how he sees himself fitting into the bigger scenario with his Canon Powershot S3 IS. Interesting stuff indeed.