Summary

John Rose reflects on the evolution of his photography habits, from meticulously documenting his slides in the '60s to embracing modern smartphone technology for capturing moments, and emphasizes the importance of recording details using his iPhone and Windows-based tools.

Abstract

John Rose reminisces about his past photography experiences, particularly the disappointment of losing the notes that corresponded with his Kodachrome II slides during his time in England. This led to a period where he abandoned photography altogether. However, with the advent of the iPhone, he has rekindled his passion for photography, now utilizing digital means to document his pictures. He advocates for the use of a smartphone's camera and a computer's properties feature to record details about each photograph, ensuring that future memories are not lost to time or mystery, as was the case with a picture of a tap that left him puzzled about its origin and purpose.

Opinions

The author values the emotional connection and memories associated with photographs, as evidenced by his vivid recollection of a family gathering while describing a picture of roses.
He acknowledges the convenience and accessibility of modern smartphone cameras, which have replaced his previous film photography setup.
There is a sense of regret and frustration over the loss of his notebooks that matched his slides, which led to a hiatus from photography.
The author sees the practicality in using digital tools, such as the properties feature in Windows Explorer, to document photographs, thereby avoiding past mistakes.
He finds the process of documenting photos to be a resolution worth keeping, indicating a commitment to preserving the context of his images.
The author implies that undocumented photos, like the mysterious tap picture, can lead to speculation and storytelling, which he finds intriguing but ultimately less satisfying than having factual details.

Capricious Snapping.

Smart Phone Picture Clicking.

My son’s roses, 6th November 2022 in Sydney, Australia. Picture by John Rose.

Beautiful roses, Son’s carefully tended garden near the gate, Intoxicating scent, Attracting bees, Treasured picture.

No need to record where and when subject or location complete no brainer, Silly thought, Give few years, I’ll recognise flower but have to guess time and place.

Right now fresh in mind, Remember day, Happy family, Grandkids playing, Son BBQing, Daughter preparing delicious salads, Grandfather doing what he does best, Dog patting.

Picture and memory cues, Poem thus far wrote itself.

What about this picture?

Mysterious tap. Why did I take this? Picture by John Rose.

Obvious tap, Perhaps for recycled water? Looks like one of those vandal proof taps.

Location anywhere, Not in son’s garden, Created 2020, Leaking or turning on? Perhaps took snappy picture to report problem?

Picture interesting because it’s mysterfying, Could imagine fantastical tale or just write about my ignorance.

Once Upon a Time.

Kodachrome II my film of choice back in ‘60’s, Had nice camera, Had notebook, Numbered slides matched up with notebook descriptions.

Three years in England, Many pictures, Copious notes, Sent back slides, Posted notebooks, Fate intervened slides arrived notes disappeared into bermuda triangle.

Once returned, Discovered pile of mixed-up and undocumented slides, Upset did not describe mindset, Sold my cameras, Ditched slides, No more pics.

Only with iPhone take up snapping pictures once more.

Using picture’s properties for documentation.

Documenting picture using properties. Picture by John Rose.

Unknown tap bought back unpleasant memories, My new year’s resolution start documenting snaps, No more mysterious taps.

Writing and picture processing Windows based, Keep slides in JPG, Use picture’s properties to save documentation.

In Windows explorer right click picture, Select properties, Enter documentation, Job Done.

Blessed be.