Irving's interest in photography appears to be linked to documenting events and people, sometimes with a detached or observational perspective. While not explicitly described as a "hobby," the diary entries reveal a recurring engagement with photographic imagery and its capture. The content suggests a connection to both personal recollection and broader historical documentation.
Photography appears as a means of recording events, both personal and those observed in the wider world. It's intertwined with Irving’s broader interests in history, documentation, and sometimes, a critical perspective on current events. The diary entries don't portray photography as a creative pursuit in itself, but rather as a tool for observation and record-keeping.
* 2021: Irving views a disturbing video taken by an unknown person, seemingly documenting a tragic incident involving people attempting to hitchhike on an airplane. The video was captured by a camera and salvaged after the incident. (diary_2021) * 2021: References to software used for tracking financial transactions, suggesting a possible interest in documenting and managing data. (diary_2021) * 2022: Discussions about retrieving photo scans of Irving’s grandfather for use on a project, indicating involvement in image processing and potentially, photographic reproduction. (diary_2022_jan_jun) * 2023: Mentions of color images on book bindings, suggesting an awareness of photographic printing techniques. (diary_2022_jan_jun) * 2023: A reminder email from Jimmy Wales, founder of Wikipedia, regarding donations, implying Irving was a donor and potentially involved with online platforms that utilize images. (emails_2023_2024)
The diary entries don't show a clear progression in Irving’s photographic skills or equipment. The focus remains consistent: capturing and utilizing images for documentation and record-keeping. The initial shock of witnessing a tragic event through a camera lens in 2021 contrasts with later entries discussing image reproduction and scanning in 2022 and 2023, suggesting a shift from passive observation to active involvement in image handling.
* Irving Diary * Documentation * History * Wikimedia Foundation