From the Editor—
Saline has always had an element of tourist attraction to it — from events such as our annual Celtic Festival, to the historic structures preserved at Rentschler Farm Museum. [1,2,3,4]
It doesn’t take much of a stretch to believe that the destination component of who and what we are as a community will become even more so with the opening of a new Best Western Premier hotel here. Not just for families interested in special offerings, but also for business travelers who’ll come and now stay, for plant visits, customer approvals, and tech development exchanges. [5,6,7,8]
However focused or diversionary the intitial draw, there now seems a psychological imperative to say “I was there!” with pictures of our own.
Smart phone cameras make that easy. But don’t underestimate the level of photographic skill (and equipment) used by a large number of people. Nor their desire to make the subjects of photographs look fantastic — whether held for personal use, subsequent printing, or shared on social media.
Years (and years) ago, a camera and film concern by the name of Eastman Kodak Company came up with a creative way of building interest in, and selling more of, both. They deployed professionals to destinations with the task of identifying ideal vantage points from which to capture the essense of places, or places within places. They then added commercial signage identifying these “Kodak Picture Spots” as jump-starts for others. [9]
I want Saline Journal to bring that to Saline, through the digital lens.
As someone now in his thirty-fifth year of taking professional photographs of subject-matter related to this community, I developed the “Photographers” category for Saline Journal to help others advance such interests. [10,11]
The “How it was done” photographs presented are all my own. Most feature subject matter photographed right here in Saline. Some are discussed in terms of their technical attributes, others for what they add to considerations of how effective photographers think. A few give a glimpse of what it’s like to work as a photographer.
Whether you’re a long-time resident or first-time visitor to Saline, I encourage you to photograph what’s here, to get the best from your own skill and equipment, and to share it for others to enjoy.
Take this as a call to action from one of the fun parts of reading Saline Journal. I look forward to seeing any contributions you care to share.
References
- “Saline Celtic Festival Kilts Can Help Improve Relationships with Local Law Enforcement” Dell Deaton (April 26, 2018) Saline Journal.
- “How Well Do You Know the Community Impact of Your Saline Area Historical Society?” Dell Deaton (April 19, 2018) Saline Journal.
- “How Did Christmas Feel in a Rural Saline Home During the 1930s?” Janet Deaton (December 7, 2015) Saline Journal.
- “Celebrate ‘Pretend to be a Time Traveler Day’ Here in Saline” Janet Deaton (December 8, 2017) Saline Journal.
- “Saline Community Earns ‘Premier’ Status for Its Proposed Hotel” Janet Deaton (December 18, 2017) Saline Journal.
- “I Spent the Night at a Best Western Premier Right Here in Michigan” Janet Deaton (January 1, 2018) Saline Journal.
- “Lucy Ann Lance Updates Her Radio Audience on Saline Hotel Progress” Dell Deaton (January 25, 2018) Saline Journal.
- “It’s Official: City, Developers Complete Deal to Build New Saline Hotel” Janet Deaton (March 1, 2018) Saline Journal.
- “Kodak Picture Spot, 1920-2012” Andrew Hudson (January 28, 2012) Photo Secrets.
- “Exactly Thirty Years Ago, Saline Hosted Its First ‘Pre-Prix’ Race” Dell Deaton (June 4, 2016) Saline Journal.
- “Aerial Photograph of Saline Die Cast Facility on Monroe Street in 1985” Dell Deaton (October 24, 2017) Saline Journal.
