Why I Love Photography

For as long as I can remember I have always loved looking at photographs. I would spend hours looking through old photo albums, looking at pictures in magazines and other bits of photographic art. When I got my very first cheap camera as a child, one of those camera's that use that 110 film, I loved to take shots and most importantly getting them printed to see what the outcome was. I was not good at it but I loved the process.  It was not until I became a mother that I realized just how important the  photograph was. For me, as for many out there, the picture is a way to capture time. It was a way for me to immortalize my children in their various stages of growing up forever. Let's face it, they are only babies, toddlers or teens once (thank goodness). But as a Mom, when the kids get older, you find that you often forget what they were like when they were 2 years old. With a photo I can instantly be transported back in time and be reminded of all the joy (or heart ache) that we experienced.

Photography makes me feel creative. I love knowing that I created something beautiful, even if it is in my eyes only. I have never been good with paints or sewing. I could not keep a garden looking lush to save my life. I don't write poetry, work with pottery or sculpture. For me, photography is one of the only ways to express myself creatively outside of the kitchen.

I love the feel of the camera in my hands. There is something almost sensual in it. I love fiddling with the dials to achieve better images. I love playing with the alchemy of light, shutter speeds, ISO, and aperture settings. While I am not the best at achieving greatly exposed or beautifully lit photos, I do enjoy trying!

Since I have become a lover of photography I find that I see the world differently. To others a building may look just like a building, but for me, I notice it's structure, texture and color. I immediately think of ways that I can photograph it to capture certain moods or ambiance. I find that when I watch movies now that I see them from a cinematography view point. I notice how scenes are lit, what special effects are used, the angles the camera are used. To me, everything is a photograph and can be beautiful.

When I first got my DSLR camera it was suggested that I join Flickr as a source of inspiration and learning. From there my passion for the art intensified.  I came to know people from all over the world who all shared one common interest, photography. Some of these talented people I have met in person and have gone out on photoshoots with. The people are great, they inspire me and have taught me a great deal about using a camera correctly. I have also encountered quite a few photography snobs, you know the type, the ones who feel intimidated because you know a bit about something that they think they are experts in. These are the folk, that when you ask for advice will ignore you or insult your skill. Those people I just brush off and stick to the ones who love the art and want to share it with everybody.
 
At this stage in the game, I would not consider myself a photographer. Meaning that I don't see myself as a professional. I still have so much to learn. How to expose and compose images better, how to see light and capture it creatively; the list goes on. But in my heart I AM A PHOTOGRAPHER. This is one hobby that will last a life time and always be rewarding to me and my family.

When Laziness Gets In the Way

I have to admit something very personal, it is something I am not proud of, I AM LAZY!
That's right, LAZY!

I often find myself dreaming up wonderful crafts to do with the kids, but often they never come to fruition. Why? Laziness. I don't feel like purchasing the supplies to do the craft. I would rather watch a movie with the kids than have to clean up the mess that would surely be involved in said craft making venture.

Not only does my laziness prevent me from being a good mother, wife and housekeeper, but it also gets in the way of my one true hobby, photography. As a budding photographer I have snapped hundreds, if not thousands of photos over the years. In the beginning I was 'gung ho' to get the photos developed. I filled at least 30 albums. As time passes though I find my interest in developing the images has waned.

The walls of my family room are a dedicated showcase for my photographs. 90% of those photos are of family or special places we have visited. Recently I was going through my deep archives of pictures on the computer and came across quite a few images that have not been printed and that should be on display in my home. I was embarrassed. One picture in particular is loved by so many family members who have seen it on Flickr, but I was too lazy to give them prints. I don't even have a print, not even a small one.

So I have vowed to get off my lazy ass and get multiple prints of this photo printed. I will also spend quite a bit of money to get 500 more photos printed. This sounds excessive, but when your a 'photographer' it is the least you should do!

My Beloved Is On The Mend

Since I received my first DSLR camera 3 years ago, a Canon EOS 40D, I have been hooked on photography. The camera is with me whenever I leave the house. I have become one of those crazy stealth shooters, always sneaking up in my loved ones and snapping some dreadful candid shot. The camera has become my third eye if  you will.

I am sad to report that the 40D has decided she needs a break. For the last few months I was having difficulty getting shots. The camera had trouble focusing therefor the shutter would  not release. At first, being a newbie to cameras, I though the sensor needed cleaning. Then I started to second guess what I thought I knew about exposure and what not. I decided to put the camera through as many 'tests' as I could thing of. First I did some indoor shots using all 3 of my lenses, with and without on camera flash and speedlight. I used every single setting on the camera. The shutter would only release 1 out of every 10 attempts. So then I took it out on a nice sunny day and did the same thing. Still I had the same problem. I brought it into a camera shop and had the guy test it and he concluded (as did I) that there was a malfunction in the camera body, not a problem with me or my lenses.

I shipped the camera off to Canon and am crossing my fingers and hoping that the problem can be repaired. Thank God I still have warranty left on the camera, even if it is only a few months remaining!
I can't wait until my beloved 40D and I can be reunited. My shooting finger has got a terrible itch!