Thursday, April 3, 2008

Photography

Recently I have had quite a few people emailing me about cameras and photography, photography business, etc. I would like to take a moment and comment about my newfound hobby, if you don't mind.

I would like to warn you how dangerous having photography as your new love can be...

As most of you know, I just purchased a new DSLR camera...this being after the purchase of my first DSLR in October. So that was about, what, six months ago? In that time, I have become completely, utterly, totally, 100% obsessed with photography. Like, lay-awake-at-night-thinking-about-photography obsessed. Sitting up in my bed at two in the morning wondering, HOW do I get that 'look'? I really have been a lunatic.

It began innocently enough. I just wanted to 'take better pictures of my kids.' I didn't want to have to pay to have their pictures done every few months, and I thought if I got a nice camera, I could take their pictures and life would be good. Right? no. Do not fall into this trap. I will let you in on a little secret: Your kids will not let YOU photograph them! Not in the way that you really want them captured. They will whine, run away, close their eyes...you will be doing gymnastics around them just to get on semi-in-focus-they-aren't-blinking-kind-of-pleasant shot.
But a stranger gets near them with a camera...they are serene and happy and giving them those million dollar shots. Go figure.

Okay I am straying a bit from the point of this post.

So, on top of my kids not volunteering to let me take their pictures, I also started blogstalking famous photographers like Audrey Woulard, Brianna Graham, Skye Johansen...Big big mistake. I was no longer happy with my 'snapshot' looking photos. This is where the real obsession began. I asked friends if I could practice on their kids, since mine were having nothing to do with it. I took on some sessions for free, so I could learn. Well then, I had so much interest, that I started charging. Why? Because I quickly learned that taking pictures and editing them is a huge job, and if I was going to be doing it for everyone, I needed to make it worth my time...or I was going to hate it really fast.

Which brings me to my problem. I have 2 babies, who can't afford to have mommy always reading, shooting, editing, etc. I really feel awful that the past few months I have neglected them, Mike, and especially, my housework. Even as I type I am looking at the sea of...everything we own covering the floor.

What am I missing in my life? Balance. I really love photography, but I love my family more. I am now laying awake at night wondering if my kids are getting enough attention during the day, if Mike is happy living in filth, etc. And as much as I would LOVE to be as amazing of a photographer as the girls I mentioned above, now is not the time. My kids are little, my family needs me, and I don't want them to grow up remembering mommy behind a computer screen, editing photos.

After much debating and planning, I think I have found a good number of sessions per month that will help me to keep improving myself without being crazy busy, and I am proud of myself. I am taking my life back.

So, (take this with a grain of salt) I would just like to warn those new DSLR owners or owner wanna-bes....don't. Don't get obsessed. Don't get so excited over the gorgous, clear pictures that your camera takes on 'auto' and think that switching over to manual will be a breeze. And for heaven's sake, DON'T buy that DSLR thinking you are going to start a photography business of your own right away. It is so much work, and unless you want your kids to forget your name (as tempting as that sounds sometimes!) and you don't want to completely drain your savings account buying camera accessories (that's another issue in itself) then I would strongly advise you to buy that nice camera simply for the fact that it takes nice, clear, scrapbook worthy pictures.

That being said, I love my dslr and I would recommend it to anyone. It is perfect for capturing those beautiful childhood moments...the ones I originally set out to get.

12 comments:

Haslems said...

Your pictures are darling Joy! I was just laughing at your post because I am constantly thinking I should do exactly what you are doing and starting a little business. Only, I have never even gotten close... it is good to hear the real life about how much time it all really takes. You are very talented... and smart to know when you have to cut back. This was really good for me to read.
Amy H (adrienne's friend)

SkylineHIghClassOf2000 said...

sounds just like me...i get so obsessed over the things and the family goes down the drain...i constantly have to regroup!!!

Matt and Joanna said...

I loved this post - it put some of my wants and desires into perspective! I hope your kids and hubby know how much you love them!

Colby Kids said...

True that!

Jean Smith Photography said...

ok...so i am probably the only one who will comment with tears in her eyes, but honestly, you have NO idea how much i needed to read your post at this moment in my life. you honestly said it perfect...everything that you wrote. it IS consuming, it IS obsessive, it IS hard work, and sometimes you don't realize how important finding balance is until you read your friend, Joy's post. wow...thank you so much for this, and i am proud of you reclaiming your life back!!!

Alicia Phillips said...

So I do the same thing with craft boutiques and shows. I totally stay up all night getting ready and then am to tired to do anything the next day. I also find that it is on my brain 24-7 when I am crafting. Steve and I have decided that this is something I have a knack for, but it will have to wait until preschool arrives!

Let the Good Times Roll said...

Joy - first off, don't stress out about getting Lance's pic's done. Seriously we are in no hurry and are just so grateful you were willing to take some! Secondly, you take AMAZING pic's, so don't doubt yourself after looking at whoever's you were looking at. And 3 - thanks for the camera advice. I've actually wanted a really nice camera for like 6 months, so that was good to hear. You definitely have mad talent girl! But I think you are awesome to realize this soon that you need to be a little more balanced.

Chad and Kristine said...

your pictures are amazing and you have a gift. But I hear you on being very time consuming/obsessive. I missed Fathers Day last year because I was in Hawaii shooting a wedding. All was going great till my camera decided to malfunction. aaahhh. So I am not so patiently waiting to purchase my DSLR, since it will cost about $250 to fix the regular SLR. I will get it fixed one day because I think there are just some shots that having a film camera come in handy, especially when leaving the shutter open for a while. But I agree too that it can drain the bank account. I am so bummed that I have about $1000 worth of equipment sitting in a bag that I can't use at the moment. Anyway, I totally understand being overwhelmed by it but understand the girls come first. good luck weaning away from the addiction. :)

pinkmorning said...

haha, this post made me laugh, i am taking some photos of my friend's daughter on Tuesday because i need more practice with my camera, only weeks after buying it i decided i could not live without the zoom lens so we went to purchase that as well. i think you are take incredible pictures and it is a good thing that i work full time and too exhausted to do much else or i can see myself falling into the same trap...

{Le Petit Poulet} said...

Joy I have to say that when you started getting into this hobby I wanted to email you and tell you "BE CAREFUL!!" I wanted to say a lot of what you said in this post and how dangerous it can become and how suddenly you find these little people tugging at your pant legs while you shoo them away to edit and learn and keep up with the current trends etc. Probably one of the best things that has happened for me is to have this pregnancy/sickness break. It put so much into perspective for me and when I did my taxes for my business and saw my schedule of clients all drawn out in 12 months I really felt shocked. When people start taking money and doing business it takes it to a whole different level, it takes it from a fun hobby to something more stressful and people are lead to believe that you get a nice expensive camera with the top lens and you'll be set. Sooooooooooooo much more to it then that. Photography is ever evolving with trends and technical issues etc.and learning what that expensive thing in your hands can actually do! Even the top professionals are ever evolving. And you are so right! You can get gorgeous pics out of cameras for half the price. Start slow and work your way up, having the most expensive equiptment won't get you that picture like the guy took in the magazine!
Such a wise and beautiful post Joy! Family comes first and something as wonderful as the art of photography should be a pleasure in your life...never a burden!
Sorry to ramble!!!! :)
Susan

Sarah & Trent said...

I think you're amazingly professional Joy, for such a short time with your camera! You've got a great plan to move forward nice and slow...cute videos too! I loved Rachel singing.

Wright said...

good girl, Joy.....
I think that the whole reason you got into this was to really take some memorable, beautiful pics of your kids and you have achieved that. You are a heck of a lot better than I am, I wish I could capture my kids like you capture yours. It's a talent. You can still enjoy it.