Many say that Joseph Nicéphore Niépce invented the modern-day camera in 1816 and, after tinkering for a decade, used his prototype to take the first photograph in 1826. Much innovation happened over the next century as Kodak, Minolta, and Cannon pushed products to the masses. According to Wikipedia, the first commercial camera phone was the Kyocera Visual Phone VP-210, released in Japan in May 1999. This revolutionary device altered the art form, inspiring a new generation of photographers and expanding the picture-taking market to include those of ALL ages with only basic technical savvy. Cameras were put in the hands of all humans. Everybody became an artist.
The period of true photography that intrigued us most was the mid-1900s when filters were introduced. UV and Skylight, Polarizing, Neutral Density, Graduated Neutral Density, Color Correcting, Close-Up, and Special Effects Filters were interchanged for the desired effect.
We, as humans, and us in particular, screw lenses on often to suit our view in the moment. We lock in Ego, Grace, Jealousy, Social Justice, Intolerance, Empathy, Judgement, Compassion, Humility, Perspective, Forgiveness, Modesty, and Sensitivity depending on the situation and our level of discipline.
Unfortunately, ego and judgment are the equipment we use more than we like to admit because we often view ourselves as superior to the next. If we are in focus, we can see that our self-importance occupies the space saved for better subject matter. Usually, the view seen through the ego's eyes is distorted, mostly exposing our defects. It is as if we are obsessed with the selfie when the rightful capture is left unsnapped.
The filters that expose and accentuate grace, empathy, and humility need to come out of our bag and be utilized regularly. These lenses help bring out the best while blurring out the unimportant. Core forgiveness comes with this vantage when we realize how we ourselves were granted mercies. Self-forgiveness is a neglected lens that should often be affixed as we can be our own worst critics.
The vision seen through the frame of humility should be a go-to as we have come to realize that we are not the creators of the landscapes. However, often, we leave this one in the case and temporarily re-affix the ego filter in its stead. This overexposure of self makes for messy proof.
We know what apparatus produces quality output. We know that when we attach a certain lens, it will negatively affect the negative. We used jealousy, judgment, and intolerance in an attempt to enhance a picture we thought could show. We used them often before we learned the art of alternative living. We have learned through the program of Alcoholics Anonymous. The practices and principles shared have altered the way we look at life.
Though autofocus may be the easier way to capitalize on a moment, we prefer to pause and prepare for the best perspective possible. Today, we know that differing scenarios require different tools – different lenses.
We hope you get the picture!
Thoughts and ideas for this blog post were taken and built upon from sober.coffee podcast #174 titled “Searching for Sensitivity” The session dropped 7/24/2024. Click here to hear the podcast.
Photo by Treddy Chen on Unsplash
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Alcoholics Anonymous and AA are registered trademarks of Alcoholics World Service. Inc. References to AA, the 12 steps, and 12 traditions does not mean that AA has reviewed or approved the contents of this publication nor that AA agrees with the views expressed herein. This publication is intended to support personal growth and should not be considered a substitute for healthcare professionals' advice. The author’s advice and viewpoints are their own.
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