My favorite quote is one that basically explains my life. “If you want to know what someone is afraid of losing, look at what that person photographs.” I take pictures of people, doing ordinary things, enjoying their time, and making memories.
I was in fourth grade when I got my first digital camera, and that gift was the beginning of a long love affair that I’ve had with photography ever since.
Ever since I can remember, I’ve loved being the person behind the camera…well, and in front of it. My friends would consider me a photo-enthusiast. It’s always been so fun for me to be able to take pictures of people doing things, places being beautiful, and things happening around me. So when I got into high school, my main goal was to take photography classes. As a sophomore, I took my first film photography class which just deepened my love for the art. My professor was, and still is, one of the most amazing and artistic people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing, and his knowledge about film was so incredible that I got sucked into the dark room immediately. Even though I graduated to digital photography classes by the time I was a senior, my flim camera, which was passed down to me from my dad (and still has the retro 70’s woven neck strap attached) became my baby.
Until two months ago, the only camera I took pictures on, besides my iPhone, was my film camera. But that all changed when I got my first DSLR camera for my birthday this year. My dad surprised me with a trip to the camera store, where I got to pick out my new and fancy camera, and I couldn’t have been more excited about it.
Every since then, I’ve brought my camera to almost every DePauw sporting event that I attended, with the intent of capturing the DePauw atmosphere and Tiger Pride. I started enjoying tailgates more because I captured moments that are usually only remembered but not recorded. I got to take pictures of friends reuniting, cornhole games being won, drinks being poured, and people genuinely enjoying the day.
My camera inspired me to create a photoblog on Tumblr, pay more attention to people and things around me, and appreciate the memories that are made every day. But honestly, the best part of using my new camera is when I take pictures of people who I don’t know. It forces me to step out of my comfort zone, try and figure out who they are, and then reach out to them saying “hey, I couldn’t help but take this photo of you when I was at X event, I thought you might like it!” It’s really rewarding to be able to meet new people that way.
I look forward to more events behind the lens of my camera, capturing moments at DePauw of the people I love so dearly, enjoying the school and all it has to offer. Those are the things I’m afraid to lose, so I’ll continue recording them.
Photo Property of Sarah Burtenshaw