A New Journey

I never thought this day would come so soon. That I would upgrade my camera. Two years ago I began my journey. Well really two years ago in April, when the idea of photography entered into my brain. Can I be honest and tell you why I wanted to get into the DSLR world? I was outraged by how much photos cost. Sitting fees? Printing costs? And the big Photo release? All could easily add up to well over $100 and that’s maybe for only 15-20 poses. I just couldn't justify those costs year after year. There had to be a better solution. So my search of cameras online began.

My first camera was worth the investment. It was the highest grade, by any means, but it was exactly what I needed to learn. It provided me with a hobby. Something I very much needed after leaving many of our friends in Provo and no longer working as a Hall Advisor at BYU. Numerous trips were made to the library and I began to understand more and more about my camera and photo composition. Even more articles were read online.

Months turned into years and I have grown to love my camera. I’ve grown to love photography. I love capturing those small moments so I can hold onto them forever. I’ve discovered some areas of photography I love much more than others. Child photography and portraits are easily my favorite. Family sessions the most stressful. Newborns a challenge, but so rewarding. Lifestyle photography is yet another that I want to continue to develop. If only our apartment had better natural light!

Soon I started noticing the limitations of my camera. I began to outgrow it.

But when it came time to sell it, I became suddenly emotional. This camera had become more than a tool to me. But in some ways, this camera had allowed me to express my inner self in ways I never thought possible. And yes, I feel like a complete dork writing this out. But my camera holds so many memories for me. It represents the beginning of my journey.

Needless to say I am so glad that it’s going to someone I know. Somehow I feel more at peace knowing it will be cared for, appreciated, and learned from again. And I hope their journey in photography will be as positive as mine has been.

The search for a new camera was a big decision and I changed my mind on a daily basis. But I ended with a semi-professional grade camera that will also allow me to captured videos and photos of my boys. Increasing very much in quality of camera, I hope it lasts me for at least the next five years, if not longer.

While I have done photos for people in the past, my main focus still is my boys. I want to remain a stay at home mom. I still get so much anxiety when I take pictures for friends, and that’s not something I like to inflict on myself on a regular basis. Maybe one day I can turn business mode, when my kids are older. And when my stomach can handle it. But for now I am just ready to experience my new journey that this camera holds. I hope I can meet the challenge and grow. And I hope it will be just as rewarding.