Roanoke Rapids Herald

Some folks have the notion that the only pictures worth taking are those of unusual things. They take a camera along when they travel and never use it at home, unless something special is happening.

Yet the simple fact of the matter is that some of your finest picture possibilities are at home, around the house.

'But,' you may say, 'I've already made good snaps of the house, the family, the pets, the garden and the new car. What else is there to shoot?'

Nobody can answer that question for you, directly. But it's dollars to doughnuts that there are dozens of other picture possibilities. And all of them as interesting as the ones already in your album.

The secret of finding them is simply a matter of keeping your eyes open. Get the habit of looking at things-everything--as though you had never seen them before. It's amazing the way this habit will sharpen your interest-now dulled by sheer familiarity--in even the most commonplace things.

Some of the finest pieces of photographic art have been results of appreciative eyes in the heads of stay-at-homes. The pattern of sun and shade on the front steps, the fascinating interplay of roof lines, tree portraits -are typical of pictures that may be made at home unusual pictures of usual subjects!

Not all of us are particularly interested in photography as an art-- and if you don't believe it's an art, visit some of your local camera club exhibitions--but we are interested in getting good snapshots. And we have no objection to artistic snapshots, have we? Very well, then, back of every great picture is someone who has kept his eyes open for the unusual where it's least expected.

Don't be afraid of doing things differently. It's a tonic to tackle old subjects from new points of view. If, to get a shot that appeals to you, you have to upset the 'laws' of safe-and-sane snapshooting, don't hesitate. If your eye enjoys the scene, whatever it is, the chances are that your camera will enjoy it too.

With such helps as the new and inexpensive photoflood bulbs (for which efficient reflectors are available) you can do your snapshooting indoors as well as out. Some week soon we shall talk more about indoor pictures. For the time being, take it for granted that present-day cameras, films and lights give you unlimited scope for your snapshooting. To-day almost any picture is possible--and at any time.

Of all words of praise for the snapshot shooter, the sweetest are these, spoken by a friend:--'Well, would you look at that! I've seen that spot every day for the last fifteen years and I never dreamed it had the makings of a picture like this.'

Maybe you've heard those words already! Congratulations!

JOHN VAN GUILDER.