Changes...

As many of you know in mid-January I jumped into what is known as Project 365 because I discovered I had a real desire and passion for photography. I also realized that this desire and passion renewed my optimistic outlook on life. That's when I knew it was something I had to pursue whether it just be as just a hobbyist or a professional.

In such a short amount of time so much has happened and is in the process of happening (if that makes any sense. Ha ha). I have learned I have a pretty good eye for photography. So I've been told unless everyone is just pulling my leg. Let's hope not or all I'm doing is making a total ass of myself. :p

All joking aside...wait who am I kidding?? I can't get through the day without joking. A sense of humor is a necessity in life and certainly when you are serious about something that takes up so much time of your life.

Oooh look, getting off track. Okay...where was I?

Yes, photography and the changes it's creating in my life. Project 365 was a real boost to my portfolio, if you will and has in a way opened the door to my future as a photographer. When I started Project 365 I started it with a bit of a different angle the most I know that also started the project. Many said they were simply doing it as a journal of their lives every day which I thought was a great idea but didn't feel my life was all that interesting and I knew I would quickly get bored. So for me I decided it would be a way to force myself to learn new techniques and improve upon my photography skills since taking photography courses just wasn't an option at the time.

During this short time I have used my camera's manual, several internet sites and just plain fooling around with manual settings on my camera to learn my camera and ways to get photos to look how I see them and not how the camera sees them. I have had so much fun. And as a bonus, I've even inspired my husband and a few others to enjoy photo taking. That in and of itself makes me feel really good.

Here has been the downside to the project...every time I take a good picture and get a lot of awesome feedback I expect myself to make each photo better. Which I know is ridiculous because all I'm doing is setting myself up for disappointment when I have an off day and don't produce a photo worth giving a second look to. However, the days I feel that way always seem to be the days I get a lot of feedback from friends, family and sometimes complete strangers!


Because of this I've kept on going with the Project. For a while now I've felt like I'm out growing my camera. Now I am fully aware that the camera doesn't make the photographer and that you need the talent in order to get the best results out of a high end camera. And considering the photos I've made with my point and shoot and the feedback I'm getting I'm sure I can make even better photos with a better camera. I've been researching dSLR cameras for a while knowing full well I can't afford one any time soon. Some professional photographers have even recommended to me refurbished cameras through a few websites they buy their equipment from. I finally found what I want but like I said...still not something I can afford yet just for a hobby. However, that has changed! (YAY!!)

In the recent weeks the best feedback I've received is something I never expected. I've been asked to be the photographer for a couple of weddings and possibly other projects and events. The idea was so exciting yet made me so incredibly nervous. I thought about it for a few days and decided that I want the challenge and I believe I can do a great job! So with that said, I have ordered a new camera (well, new to me but a refurbished camera) and few small pieces of equipment to go with it.

The first wedding I will be shooting as the main photographer isn't until 7 months away so I figured I have plenty of time to learn the new camera, learn new techniques and learn a lot about photographing a wedding. In addition, I've been lucky enough to become friends with a great photographer who just as enthusiastic about photography as I am and willing to help me! I hope to be a second shooter or even just an assistant to her at a future wedding (or more) of hers. It would be an amazing learning experience. In addition, I am coming up with plans to get in a lot of practice photographing people, couples and family during the coming months.

With all of that on my plate for the near future I've decided that I can't continue with Project 365 as is. I am not in any way going to stop taking photographs of landscapes and anything else that interests me however, I am taking the pressure off of myself for coming up with something on a daily basis to allow myself to learn and be more creative. I am certain I will continue to have new photos weekly because I absolutely love going out on the weekends and scouting out new places and ideas for photos.

I hate quitting projects because I am a firm believer in finish what you start but I think in this case it is not only worth it but beneficial to my future as a photographer. Hobbyist or otherwise.

On that note, it's St. Patty's day I need to go share a drink with my Irish husband.

CHEERS!