As I sit down to reflect on my journey as a photographer, my mind drifts back to the earliest roots of my passion. It all began in the cozy confines of my Mamaw’s house, amidst a treasure trove of 1960s and 1970s toys that sparked the imagination of a young child. My fondest memory from those days revolves around a simple yet magical toy: the Fisher Price Pocket Camera. With its unmistakable square “flash” on top, this toy camera held an irresistible allure for me. Every press of the shutter button set the flash spinning, accompanied by a satisfying click. To my young mind, it was the epitome of photographic wonder. I can still vividly recall the joy I felt as I roamed Mamaw’s house, camera in hand, ready to capture the world around me. With each click, I would instinctively make a clicking noise with the side of my mouth, followed by the triumphant declaration, “picture made.” It was a ritual that never failed to bring a smile to my face.
In those carefree moments, I wasn’t just playing with a toy camera; I was immersing myself in the art of photography. Through the lens of my imagination, every corner of Mamaw’s house became a canvas waiting to be captured. From candid snapshots of family gatherings to staged scenes with my beloved toys, I embraced the role of the photographer with boundless enthusiasm. Looking back, I realize that those early experiences laid the foundation for my lifelong love affair with photography. The Fisher Price Pocket Camera may have been a toy, but to me, it was a gateway to a world of creativity and expression.
As I embark on each new photography project, I carry with me the same sense of wonder and joy that fueled my childhood adventures. The memories of those days serve as a reminder of why I fell in love with photography in the first place: the ability to freeze moments in time and capture the beauty of the world around us.
So, here’s to the Fisher Price Pocket Camera and the countless childhood memories it inspired. May we never outgrow our sense of wonder and may our passion for photography continue to grow with each click of the shutter.
