NEW CASTLE —
I reluctantly consider myself a semi-pro photographer. Everyone who has a camera seems to think of themselves as the next Ansel Adams, Yousef Karsh, or even Neil Leifer (Google them if you must), but I have been lucky enough to have photos published in Rolling Stone, Country Music Weekly and used by CNN and Headline News. I've even had the New Castle News and several other local news outlets use some of my images.
I've captured images of sports legends, every imaginable rock star, numerous celebrities, presidents, and political hopefuls. I've been in the heat of the moment with riot police and protesters during the G20 summit and dodged tear gas at music festivals gone awry. On the contrary, I have captured precious and loving moments at wedding ceremonies and religious events.
Between these monumental events I've dabbled with still life and nature photography, but have often had my endeavors cut short by time constraints or lack of inspiration. I also let the desire slip away because of the lack of an outlet to display my work or garner genuine feedback. Sure, there is the online community, but the feedback there is usually scant at best and peppered with comments like “cool,” “good job,” or “you suck.”
This past weekend I attended the New Castle Arts Festival at Cascade Park, right here in glorious New Castle. I wandered about with my wife and daughter and was inspired by some of the artists peddling their wares and was equally frustrated by the lack of craftsmanship and creativity of others. I eventually stumbled upon the tent of the New Castle Camera Club and was greeted by several of the ladies working the tent in the hot, midday sun.
These women introduced me to the workings of the club and told me about their monthly shooting schedule (otherwise know as a contest). Each month they hold an internal competition in different categories including Color, Monochrome, 4x6, Projected Images, and Creative Altered Reality.
Needless to say, they perked my interest and started my creative juices flowing. After walking away from the booth, my wife asked if I wanted to join. I paused and thought. This might just be the challenge and outlet I was lacking. The structure of the club and the once-per-month meetings seemed to be the perfect fit for my excessively busy schedule and my ADD-like attack to most projects.
Now I believe I will be spending the second Thursday of every month at the New Castle Camera Club. Hopefully, they will stimulate me to create and excel at something that I have let fall by the wayside for too long. Their next subject is “bubbles,” so I must cut this short and scour my daughter's room for some bubbles. I have so many ideas and so little time.
News Bloggers
Related Photos
-
About Josh Drespling: Josh is a former graphic designer at The News. His blog appears each Saturday.
Discussion
Josh Drespling: I’ve been challenged
- News Bloggers
-
-
Josh Drespling: Sick and tired of being sick and tired
I'm sick of being sick! It has been over a week now fighting this ungodly pestilence that has settled in my body. Despite my best efforts, this plague has taken a firm hold of every avenue of my being. It has become the most constant and present force in my life.
-
Gary Church: A REAL buffet for Father’s Day? Now that’s saying a mouthful!
My favorite thing about Mother’s Day is the buffet. I can do some real damage with a nice spread of food laid out before me. A good, homemade buffet can't be beat.
-
Tim Kolodziej: Want true gratification? Then delay it
Whether you are an athlete, an entrepreneur or a stay-at-home mom, you will be faced with dozens of temptations today. For better or for worse, your life depends on your choices.
-
Gary Church: A little trimmer is just the right fit for someone my age
There are definite signs in my life that show I'm really starting to age. I can't believe that I just bought a battery powered trimmer/edger. The gas trimmer I have now is 25 years old and very powerful.
-
Lisa Madras: I’ve still got plenty of questions, but now I have family to help answer them
What’s something new you’ve recently learned about yourself? Oh, happy day. I've been waiting my whole life to have a great answer to this question, and now that I finally do. I can hardly believe it myself.
-
Josh Drespling: Thank you, Mom. I’ve never said this before but ...
I'm a terrible son. I’ll can freely admit my shortcomings. Well, maybe not as awful as some. I've never been in prison or killed anyone (though I may have thought about it). I’ve never been a drug addict or a drunk. I remember most of the holidays, birthdays and celebrations and I'm capable of supporting myself and my family.
-
Gary Church: Gary the Governor? It’s starting to grow on me
Every day, while walking home from West Side School, I would pass the fire station on Smithfield Street. Twice a year, the fire station turned into the election place, where my parents voted.
-
Tim Kolodziej: You know, this isn't my day — and it's not yours either
“This isn’t my day.” I’m going to step out on a limb and guess you’ve heard that statement before. You may have even uttered it a time or two yourself. Maybe just this morning.
-
Gary Church: A Facebook friend request and the new ‘normal’
I recently received a friend request on Facebook from a woman named Robin. I wasn’t familiar with this person. Being a little skeptical, I wrote back and wanted to know why she picked me, when she didn't know me.
-
Lisa Madras: I’m kickin’ it old school — and trying to get a leg up
What lessons did you NOT learn in the classroom? Several weeks ago, I found myself stumbling around outside of my comfort zone. I'd gone to a college campus to begin working on a new degree and new direction for my life. And boy did I feel like a square peg.
- More News Bloggers Headlines
-
