Amateur

We all have to start somewhere. Who would have known that the Christmas gift I received a couple of years ago would open up doors that I didn’t know where there for me to open. It is a gift that keeps on giving. The best part is that the gift I received is now providing gifts to others.

A camera – a mid grade camera… that was my gift from my partner. I didn’t ask for a camera, he just knew that I enjoyed taking photos. I had been taking pictures for years with the point and shoot that I owned. I enjoyed trying to capture how I see my family and friends, I enjoyed trying to capture the beauty that I see all around me.

Two years ago I took a photography course at our local university. The 12 week course provided me with the basics needed to operate my camera on the “Manual” setting. Yes, that is right I have now turned the dial and moved away from  the “Auto” setting! BUT, not only did I learn how to operate my camera I opened a new door, one that I didn’t know existed. I was introduced to some great people, people who are photographers. I was also introduced to a charity event that is held once a year. HELP-Portrait, is an event I enabled me to work with professional photographers to photograph people in need.

I have volunteered for this charity for two years now (2012 and 2013). I was able to see that taking a photo is more than just clicking a button, it is about helping the subject, the model, well the person (is a better way to put it) realize that they are beautiful inside and out. It is about getting to know the person so that you can capture their natural essence and beauty. The event enabled me to see the difference of giving a portrait, rather than taking a portrait. That event gave me the confidence I needed to say YES when I was approached by a friend to take a family portrait of her and her two siblings for their mother this past Christmas.

Taking their photos was a gift to me, so charging them for the session was uncomfortable for me. However, I was reminded how much time and money I have invested in ‘photography’ and that it’s okay to start receiving money for what I do.

I look forward to continuing my journey as a photographer, to learning more about this art form and to give back what I learnt to others.

#Photoraphy