Braving Bubbles

My 12 year old niece Maddie first became interested in photography in the 3rd grade.

Her art teacher, Ms. Devin, let her take some photos with a “Canon-something” in a chapel. Maddie focused on the stained glass windows. She learned she could look at them from various angles, picking up on different lighting. Although Ms. D. didn’t teach photography per sé, she always had a camera with her. The classes focused on drawing, painting, and pastels. “She showed some episodes of Bob Ross” Maddie said, adding with a smile “Happy little trees.”

Maddie had been playing with a bubbler maker, and that prompted an idea. She was a

good sport when I asked if she'd pose for me because she prefers taking photos rather

than being the subject, It was difficult for her not to wiggle or laugh.

Her mom blew the bubbles while I directed “Higher! Lower! Closer!”

“It was weird to see all those bubbles going by my face and interesting to notice how

[Aunt Jane] went about taking lots of shots.” Examining 57 images, there were 3 clear winners. I explained to her that when there is action, in this case unpredictable bubbles,

you never know if or even when all the elements will align magnificently.

Unfortunately, Maddie's art teacher this year isn’t as inspiring. "He doesn’t even act like he loves art. He is 42 year old and looks like he’s 60. He’s grumpy, never smiles and barks instructions as if he’s in the military. But he has a Yoda beanie, so there’s that.”