RE: [Leica] Happy-Snaps

[Jeffrey Hausner <Buzz@marianmanor.org>]

Greetings, Ted!

	I am truly astonished at the response to my modest post.  My
intention was to take a poke at the waxing level of elitism on the LUG, and
it must have touched a nerve in some quarters.  As I detect it, many LUG
members do use the term "happy-snaps" as a simple moniker for what many of
us do much of the time.  I also detect that others use it to denigrate less
accomplished, experienced, and equipped photographers.

	At the end of the day, Ted, I have to agree foremost with your
oft-stated opinion, "...just grab your camera and go take pictures!"  This
is perhaps the most profound observation to appear on the LUG and I for one
should follow your advice more than I do.

	All the best to you and yours,

	Buzz Hausner

> -----Original Message-----
> From:	tedgrant@islandnet.com [SMTP:tedgrant@islandnet.com]
> Sent:	Tuesday, December 22, 1998 9:29 PM
> To:	leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
> Subject:	RE: [Leica] Happy-Snaps
> 
> Buzz wrote:
> <<< Your comment implies that you take pictures which are art and that the
> millions of people who take pictures of "people and stuff" do not. While I
> agree that the vast majority of photographs taken by the general
> population
> are not "art" and weren't intended as "art,"  I respectfully disagree with
> this distinction.  I have taken pictures which some people consider
> artistic in the least likely places; my kids' birthday parties, for
> instance.  I think that the "happy-snaps" distinction is spurious and too
> often used with derogatory intent.>>
> 
> Buzz old buddy,
> 
> Only in your mind! "Happy Snaps" means exactly what it has always been
> used
> for...."fun happy things, family, your kids, mine and grandkids, the
> flowers in the garden and whatever other life things that make one happy
> and feel good!"
> 
> Unfortunately some folks have a twisted sort of perspective on life and a
> somewhat negative attitude of many things. Think positive has no meaning!
> 
> But if you find "Happy Snaps" a negative reference to photography, so be
> it! But just maybe you should take life a little less serious and find
> "Happy" means something other than whatever it is you have in your mind
> that doesn't understand the meaning of "Happy Snaps!" As all the rest of
> the gang understand what it means to the fullest. Do it and enjoy "Happy
> Snapping!"
> 
> have a nice day,
> ted
> 
> Ted Grant
> This is Our Work. The Legacy of Sir William Osler.
> http://www.islandnet.com/~tedgrant
>