Describe what the word “photograph” means to you.

pho·to·graph

–noun

1.

A moment in time captured by the use of a camera.

–verb

2.

The act freezing time by the use of a camera.

The word photograph means many things to me;  Art, intimidation, memory, magic.  Photography is an art form, in which various things seem to play an important role (as far as my amateur eyes can tell) such as light, composition, subject, rhythm, flow, etc.  Despite my interest in the aesthetics of photography, I am intimidated and scared by the technological aspect of the art.  As the sharpness and quality of the image increases, it seems that the complexity of the machine does as well, a very foreboding idea to a hands-on type of person such as myself.  However, i realize that sometimes, the most beautiful images are not those taken by expensive cameras or an expert photographer.  Sometimes, they are simply a quick snapshot taken by a doting mother, or perhaps a group of close friends.  Sometimes, the word photograph simply means "Hey! remember this?" and that's what makes it magical to me.  The possibility to capture a moment in time, and keep it forever. 

-Sarah H