Starting to Chase a Dream

Over the past year or so I've had several people tell me that I should be a photographer. Secretly, I've wanted to for a long time, but, where does one start? Most people think it's as simple as owning a DSLR camera. Heck, once I was brave enough to finally pick up Jacob's Canon Rebel and use it for the first time last summer, I kind of thought that too. It's simple right? Set to Auto and snap away.

Then eventually I started researching and found an online photography group on one of my mommy boards that I frequent. Yeah. Photographers don't shoot in Auto. Most don't even shoot in any of the other "intimidating" modes that the camera can use. They shoot in Manual. This was quite intimidating to me. The first picture I tried to take turned out insanely overexposed. It was just white. Then I ended up with severely underexposed black pictures. I actually took Daniel's fall pictures in Manual, but after that I kind of gave up. They are cute and I personally LOVE them, but I knew they weren't perfect. Not to mention, it got cold outside it's harder to practice inside without using flash.

For whatever reason, I started regaining interest a few months ago. I even found a local photographer, whose pictures I love, who agreed to do a bit of mentoring with me at some point. She was the one who took our family pictures and pictures of Daniel. Check out her website (hover your mouse over the word website) if you'd like to see some of her work!

I'm working to completely shoot in Manual now...in better light settings anyway. I'm still not happy with everything, but I can see improvements to what I'm doing.

I met with April (the photographer) last week and we spend a few hours going over things, and I walked away with even more knowledge! She showed me how to do a few things that I had been struggling with. Although...even with that, I still struggle to get it to ALL to work together. I'll keep plugging away! She's setting a mini photo shoot for me next week sometime so I can practice on someone who will hopefully cooperate better than a busy little 18 month old! I'm nervous and excited about that!

I LOVE having Daniel to practice my skills on, but he is so fast that I can't practice how I want to! I even tried to bribe him with cookies and that punk still ran away! Ha ha!

Also, I'm REEEALLLY wanting a new camera. The Rebel we have now is nice, obviously, but it's also 7 years old. It was top of the line then, but of course technology changes constantly. I also have my eye on a lens I want to get. It's a good starter lens as it's pretty much the least expensive you can find. Most lenses run around $300 or more! The camera that I want is very expensive too! (Well, I have 2 I'm looking at, but still!)

Anyway, for now I'm oohing and ahhing at them online. I need to do what Jacob suggested and make a pros and cons list. Making big purchases always scare me and I'm always hesitant. IF I can get to the point where I start taking pictures for other people I will be so excited though! So much to learn, so many unknowns about even starting up a business for myself, but I do know it's possible. I need to gain some confidence and learn to believe in myself a bit more!

Maybe one day soon, my dream will become a reality!?

A few pictures in my Manual adventures from these past couple of weeks: