And here is my darling Joseph at his personal moment of unparalleled happiness, and what equates to "play" the most to him: tinkering with something new.
Photography-wise I was unprepared, because I hadn't thought of this idea for play until I saw cute little Joseph sprawled all over the kitchen floor with this new contraption: a single gear bike he is getting for his birthday.
The bike's stunningly smooth and shiny black lines, the intricacy of the spokes and the chain, and Joseph's intense gaze I thought would make for an interesting illustration of "play."
But geez, the photos aren't really what I pictured, just kind of awkward and badly composed and focused. Which makes me happy I attempted this, because the semi-failure opens my eyes to the real depth of understanding photographers need to come up with spectacular shots: a grasp of human psychology, story line, character development, and of course all the necessary artistic mechanics such as camera logistics, and ability to interpret live action into a two dimensional model.
Photography be hard, y'all!
What I wanted to say with these pictures is that Joseph takes so much after his dad, a true tinker and lover of all things fashioned. This bike arrived in the mail yesterday, and although it is for his twelfth birthday next week, he is absolutely tortured by either surprises or suspense, so we allowed him to have it and assemble it on arrival.
He pulled each part out of the box with the greatest revelry, his mechanic heart had been pining for one of these sleek gadget bikes since the first time he saw them racing around downtown Orlando. A bike just waiting for play, and tinkering and customizing.
Joseph never even cracked the manual, only looked at the photo on the front a couple of times for reference, and cried at one moment because he couldn't figure out how to adjust the break pads. And then he set his mind to it, staring at the pieces for minutes at a time, and grew elated as it all fell together in his understanding.
...A few last adjustments before he headed out the door, and then returned and did a few more, and well, this lasted for awhile, really. But all of that was play to him. Hate to say, but this is probably more his idea of fun than actually riding it.
Thanks for the fun, Cari! Forgive the excess pictures, but that is just what happens when you don't get that one perfect shot.
One more thing, when all else fails in photography, pull a Warhol:
I love it when you said he didn't even look at the instructions. "Typical male" I thought, but he got it figured out and did great. Not all men are so lucky. lol Love your last collage pic. Very nice. =)
ReplyDeleteWow, what a mind he has. I love learning about different kids' personalities. It's awesome too, how you really *get* him and allow him both to get what he needs (an early present) and do what he does (tinker rather than just assemble according to instructions). You are a good mama, no doubt.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I liked the photos! I full agree with what you said about how hard it is to get a truly breathtaking shot. The second one down is my favorite kitchen shot, and I always love a Warhol. ;)
Yes, it is hard Micaela, to know what the right thing to do is, how to teach patience and when that just becomes counter productive. He was always the kid who was counting exactly how many teeth were coming out in the next several months and handing us a bill, expecting it to be paid in advance, in anticipation of the tooth fairy.
DeleteThe second one down is my favorite, too! I love the juxtaposition of the bike gear with the human hand.
DeleteI just love your description of him.
ReplyDeleteGreat series! And such an important lesson to take the time to understand how each child best learns and plays, thanks.
ReplyDeleteAwesome guy! Awesome bike! And awesome pictures!
ReplyDeleteI love it!! We each have our own happy play place. How wonderful that you were able to give him a way to be in his for his birthday. I like your photos, too. Taken with love triumphs over perceived perfection any day! :-)
ReplyDeleteI am fascinated when engineering is play. I think Warhol would be proud of your image on the bottom...
ReplyDeleteI would have made him wait.
ReplyDeleteYou have always been a better mother than I.
DeleteWell...
DeleteGuilty as charged.
DeleteJenny, just stick to sandwiches! You're kids aren't all that!
DeleteI love the third picture! I am so impressed by his skills too, I would be terrible at putting a bike together. True story.
ReplyDeleteFunny, my very first thought in the first 3 pics was "He looks just like Obi, studying something intently." Can't imagine a child who could or would put a bike together. I need to loosen up the reins!!
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ReplyDeleteLove the look on his face through the bike spokes! Pinning that now. This kid amazes me and will continue to do so as his adventures in play ramp up, Joseph Style.
ReplyDeleteI love the series of photos...I think they captured well his fun and frustration in putting the bike together. I love me a good Warhol too...that last one is neat!
ReplyDeleteI'm super impressed he could put a bike together without looking at the instructions. We have a bike that needs fixing, because someone (ahem.me) put it together wrong (and this was WITH looking at the instructions).
That Warhol is impressive...however you did it??
ReplyDeleteAmazing kiddo. lots of gumption that one has!
great photos also. It was like I was right there with every step!
I absolutely LOVE your angles, Rebekah! My mind is always engaged when I see things from an unusual angle and, for me, it's one of the reasons why photography always stays exciting.
ReplyDeleteSo glad to have found your blog via Cari's Themed Thursdays.
I really enjoyed the whole series and feel like I got to know you and your Joseph a little bit. I also think photography is hard, but I like it a lot...and I think I get a lot out of the process in that it trains me to notice little things I might have missed before. Glad to have found your blog!
ReplyDeleteI love that last picture (pre-warhol series) - I can't believe how old he looks! Only 12, really? Goodness, I'm not ready for this growing up thing...
ReplyDeleteThat is my favorite kid! And, excuse me. "pull a Warhol?!" how obscene!
ReplyDeleteLet's keep it G rated.
DeleteI have a boys just like this, he tweaks, works on mechanics, he rides - he tweaks again. He really does love the process.
ReplyDeleteHey, BTW - This is Kathy from the now closed 9peas Blog. I shut down my blog do to a internet scare regarding safety etc.. I just wanted to say 'hi' and let you know I'm still around, just no blog for now!
Kathy! I'm so sorry, your blog is one of my internet highlights! Please let me know when you have a new one up!
DeleteWill do, once I figure out better security features. I love blogging and hated shutting it down but felt it was the best solution.
DeleteIs the bike a fixie? What a great bike for Joseph. Loved the photos, brings back so any memories.
ReplyDeleteThe series of photos works together as a statement of Joseph's thought processes. This provides a wonderful intimate insight. Thanks