I like photography.
Yeah, well so do a lot of people. It's good to have likes and interests, and so I'm fine sharing this interest with others. But the thing I hesitate to share is that I want to be a photographer, because, well, so do a lot of people!
Take a look at this quote:
This "being afraid to fail" has been the biggest obstacle in the way of what I want to do. I've been told that every Mormon woman has a photography business "on the side". I've heard professional photographers scoff and say that there are too many people out there who think they can use a camera and charge people for it. I've also been discouraged by the number of photographers on Jared's side of the family. There are a lot of them. All of this has led me to wonder if I should return to school so I can have the confidence I need to go further with this. As of right now, I'm not doing that, but this is seriously how afraid I have been to admit what I really like to do!
I think I've always liked looking through photo albums and taking pictures of other people. I remember when digital cameras became available and affordable, and being jealous when my younger sister got one for her birthday. I had this camera
and later, this one
even one of these
until I eventually got one of these
Actually I think that was my third digital camera. Bad things happened to the other two. But I didn't take a photography class in school because I couldn't, or wouldn't, spend hundreds on a camera and realize that my hobby could turn into something more. In other words, I didn't have enough confidence to financially invest in myself. A few years ago I entered a Hershey's contest because the grand prize was a beautiful Canon DSLR. This was my entry, which won me a blanket, t-shirt, set of skewers, and s'mores ingredients, but no camera.
And then, after my college graduation last year, I suddenly had lots of free time (and some gift money) to pursue photography. I bought a used DSLR (from Jared's cousin!), took a couple of community classes that taught me how to use that camera, and took lots of pictures of Jared. I now feel like I know my camera well, I know how to navigate Photoshop a bit, but I just need practice. Lots and lots of practice. And in order to get that practice I need to let others know about it! So here I am, asking if I can take your picture? Can I come over to your house or meet you at the park to take pictures of your family? The results might not look fantastic, but you'll be helping me learn some things I can't without you.
Last night someone read this quote to me, and I will believe it because it makes me feel good. I look at it and see, "Every photographer starts off with their worst. You get better." I will get better.
