Saturday, November 9, 2013

Why a 1970’s Instamatic Camera inspired Todd Jacobs to go to Africa

Remember when you had your first camera? Depending on the decade you were born, it may have been a Brownie, Button, Instamatic, Polaroid Instant, Disposable or Digital Camera. In Todd Jacobs' case it was an Instamatic camera that turned 50 this year. Similar to today’s camera phones, this camera introduced many youth to the art of capturing a moment in time and giving us memories that last a lifetime.

Todd’s first subjects where amateur images of his childhood family pets and backyard nature. Today, despite raising three sons and working full time Todd’s passion, training, modern equipment and technical skills have advanced him to the level of a professional photographer. This has led him to expand his subject matter to landscape and nature from around the world, including an amazing collection of African landscape and wildlife photography.

 “I am often inspired to create my artwork due to stress.  When I need to relieve some stress, I will go on a photo hike and get caught up in the creative process.” ” – Todd Jacobs, Photographer. “When I work on and finish a piece I feel like I was born to do this.” 

Todd prefers digital cameras to film because it allows for quick adjustments in the field. He rarely touches up his digital photographs, instead spends his time focusing on capturing images so the viewer can really see and understand the person, place or thing being photographed at that moment in time.


You might have to dig through some attics and basements to find an Instamatic camera, however young people can easily pick up a phone camera and begin capturing their family pets and backyard nature, and possibly be  inspired, like Todd Jacobs was, to create your own art with today’s technology.