The Photographer and the Author

Sam was a young man who loved photography. 

His aunt had given him a simple camera on his fifteenth birthday. It was easy to use because one could just point at an object of interest and press the ‘shoot’ button. There was no need to change lenses or lug around heavy equipment.

With this camera, Sam spent many happy hours taking pictures of nature in the hills where he lived. 
He crawled to the ground to capture wildflowers, he silently peeped through branches to click birds feeding their young, and he lay down on the grassy paths for hours awaiting the arrival of shy animals.

Although Sam had a simple camera, he took pictures from unusual angles and in different shades of light. He had a lot of patience and a talent for choosing the correct angle for a picture. When Sam had a good collection of nature pictures, he entered a local photo contest.

Sam’s pictures of birds, animals, and wildflowers impressed everyone and he won the first prize. At the prize ceremony, a famous author from the town came to distribute the prizes.

He said to Sam, “Your pictures are amazing. You probably have an expensive camera.” Sam did not know what to say so he said “Thank you” and accepted the prize.

A year later, the famous author won a prestigious book prize. A ceremony was held in the town to felicitate the writer where Sam was also invited to take pictures.

After the event, Sam shook hands with the author and said, “Congratulations! You write so well. You probably have a very expensive pen.”

The author then realised that real creative talent is in the imagination and hard work of the artist. It does not come from using fancy equipment or tools.

Sam and the author soon became good friends and encouraged each other in their respective arts. 

Graphic Art: Manjiri Bhave, India

(Retold)