Experiment
Call: Primary Color Density — Cheryl
Call & Response: the big experiment. Jessica was able to shoot a photo each day for 365 consecutive days. I was able to shoot a photo each day for 365 consecutive days. Can we do it together, thousands of miles away from each other, inspired by the same one-word prompt?
Know where I got the inspiration/instructions for this science experiment on the density of liquids? From the book (that I bought probably 12 years ago, after deciding to homeschool), 365 Science Projects and Activities. How many projects and activities? Yep. 365.
A quote I came across today: “In wisdom gathered over time I have found that every experience is a form of exploration.” The sentiment is from photographer extraordinaire Ansel Adams. I could substitute the word “experiment” for “exploration,” and it would pretty well sum up what I’ve discovered. The kids and I don’t do many formal experiments (the kind found in 365 Science Projects), because everything we do is an experiment: What if we substitue gluten-free flour in this recipe? If I move over here, will the light on that flower pop in my photo? I think I’ll try using Coke in a marinade for steak. If we offer to put a jigsaw puzzle together with Stella, will she quit bugging Jack?
Response: What if? — Jessica
Like Cheryl, I’ve come to believe that “what if” is the most important question that you can ask — especially if you want to be creative. If you stop experimenting and wondering you lose your curiosity. When curiosity is no longer driving your life you tend to fall into a rut. You do the same things over and over.
I love to ask myself “what if” when I’m taking pictures. I’m slowly working through a lot of the tutorials on David Hobby’s site The Strobist. This picture is a perfect example of one of those experiments. It may not be a perfect picture but it leads me to ask “what if”. As in, what if I move the flash away from his head, will that reduce the hot spot? What if I stop down a bit ? Will that help?
Experiments are grand fun even (and sometimes especially) when they go all wrong. So, Cheryl, let’s raise our glasses to messy experiments!