Sunday Morning Positive Perks from your Sassy Small Town Missus
Rediscovering a creative pastime
Have you ever had an adventure you wanted to tackle but it just seemed too complicated?
I felt that way about photography for as long as I can remember.
In 1987 I was required to take it as part of my journalism degree. Cameras required film and we processed images in a dark room with trays, tongs and a red light outside the door so no one would enter the room and risk prematurely exposing the images.
Enjoying the creativity, my work managed to score me a passing grade. After college I went into banking and photography went on the “back burner.” I would watch over the years as people would take oodles of pictures. Couldn’t believe all those photos were really going to be looked at again. When I wanted to remember something, I just looked at it real hard, closed my eyes, took a mental snapshot and filed it away in my brain in that special folder I can’t seem to ever find.
Fast forward a decade later and a new career requires some photo skills and cameras are now digital. Geesh, things did get complicated! For two more decades when I would write my “things to do” list for the year, at the top of the list was become a better photographer.
Two things held me back. First, I am a bit frugal and investing in a good camera seemed too big a luxury. Second, it just seemed too mind boggling when I tried to tackle the process.
With this blog I realized I needed to take the plunge. So I asked a photographer, an instructor and a novice what camera was the best for my price range. For that kind of investment it needed to be the right one. Three decades after my first test of photography I dug into some savings and purchased a beautiful camera.
Now it was time for some lessons. I went to my good friend, YouTube, and found a free course. Each night was filled with studies and practice sessions. Now every time I head out the door, with camera in hand, a true adventure is about to take place.
When out and about I take more time to look around and see what the world is offering for inspiration because like many of you, if I am not inspired, I am not motivated.
Yesterday morning I popped out of bed like a Pop-Tart eager for the adventure me and my camera were about to go on. Each frame I try to remember the rules and when I arrive home the first thing I do is upload the pictures to see how I did.
Many end up in trash, but there are usually a few keepers.
There is a long way to go on this adventure of photography and so much to still learn. We are never too old to retry something that gives us happiness.
If there is something you have always wanted to do but the time was not right, when you see that door open, run through it because the joy it could bring might open up a whole new world ready to frame. “Great Photos are Not Taken They Are Made” – same with Life. ?
To see my first AM encounter with my new camera (you will never guess) and share your inspiring story, visit my blog live online at https://www.positiveperksposts.com and catch up on weekly photo perks and past posts. Like and share your comments. Happy Perks to Everyone!
Deborah London
