It’s not my cup of tea, and maybe it’s not yours either, but seeing as this coming Sunday, April 29, is Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day I thought I’d give it a mention.

Pinhole photography is the simplest form of the art, and has been with us since the beginning. The cameras can range from remarkably simple homemade contraptions put together from virtually any object that can be made light tight, to lens attachments made for the latest technological marvels coming from the digital camera manufacturers. All share one thing in common — the exposure is made through a pinhole, and the results can be unpredictable. Some are sublimely beautiful, some are not. Some have a dreamy, boozy quality to them.  Some don’t work at all… just like any other form of photography.

Take a moment to check out the site for Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day. It’s a good reminder to all of us that our chosen medium is a rich and diverse one. A good reminder that there are many approaches, many styles, many means of expression inherent in photography. Maybe most importantly, it’s a reminder that photography isn’t about having the latest and greatest camera. It’s about what you do with what you choose to use.

upper camas lake -- selway-bitterroot wilderness

I’ve never really considered going into the wilderness as escape. I grew up around wild country, and have spent much of my life around wild country. I never thought of my wilderness wanderings as escaping from anything. I was simply going home.

I still pretty much feel that way, but after spending a year in LA I’m much more able to relate to the idea of escape…