The Camera as Connector
I love when my camera helps me connect with another person in a unique way.
One day on my recent visit to Japan I found myself in a cemetery, capturing various photos. I’m fascinated by cemeteries, in part because they say so much about people and their culture. And yet I get very self-conscious when I’m in a cemetery taking pictures, because I respect the sacred nature of a cemetery and don’t want to intrude. So here I was in Japan, not sure if it was really OK to be taking pictures in this cemetery, and yet fascinated.
It was then that a woman came up to me. Now, you have to understand that (much to my surprise) there was an incredible language barrier in Japan. Very few people I came in contact with spoke any English at all (which was part of what made it such a wonderful and memorable trip). This brought communication down to a very fundamental level, which actually made the interactions that much more treasured.
It seemed clear to me that this woman singled me out in part because I was taking pictures. It seemed to tell her that I was indeed fascinated with this place. I suppose it helped that as a relatively tall Caucasian I sort of stood out in this place.
She motioned for me to follow her, and tried to speak to me in very broken English. She guided me to a small Buddhist temple across the courtyard. She showed me the statues inside the monument, and taught me, using only gestures and motions, how to pray. I followed along out of respect, and savored the moment.
This isn’t the only time someone took note of my special interest signaled by my camera, and offered their assistance in understanding–on some level–what I was experiencing. I love that something as simple as having a camera held to your eye can signal that you are a friend and you are interested in learning more. Even if you don’t understand the language.
Explore posts in the same categories: Philosophical, Photography
July 8th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
Tim, I did a two month residency in Japan and Korea about 15 years ago, and I found that sometimes my camera was resented, but never when I used my sketchbook.
I can still see the tough old market ladies in Pusan waving me off when I brought out my camera, but when I started to draw them, they grabbed my arm and took me for tea, and they all gathered around and looked at each page of my drawings.
Perhaps photography is appreciated more as an art form now, as it should be. Times change.
July 10th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
Jennifer, yes it may be that now just these few 15 years have witnessed an attitude relaxation from an increase in visitors all shooting more and more, specially now with digital point & shoots as well as cell phone cameras. So it is interesting that rather than cultural growth we may be witnessing technological influence on a long-held cultural tradition.
Tim I felt very similar last summer when I was shooting a cemetery from the late 1800’s in a very small community on the Long Beach peninsula in WA state. A very few folk were visiting and I was respectfully shooting a few images. But I can recall one mature lady glancing rather stiffly in my direction so I put my camera away till later. Only I didn’t get any instruction in prayer.
August 18th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Over the years I have always been fascinated by people’s reactions to having their photograph taken in different parts of the world. Sometimes a language barrier can be both good and bad, and being an American often adds something to the equation. Having taken pictures in over 40 different countries, it’s always an exciting aspect of experiencing different cultures. I’ve found it to be a universal truth that you can communicate with anyone, regardless of language, if you have the right attitude.