In pursuit of a purpose…

When we arrived back in the states, I came down with Covid, literally the day of our return…it was miserable, but forced me to be still and reflect on what I learned on our adventure about my life and my purpose, both in the past and for the future. Not only did I realize that I wanted to pursue Photography full time, but I had gained the confidence to believe I really did have the ability to learn and succeed.

The photograph above is the first photograph I took back in the states, on my back porch, with my little bridge camera, and it will forever be one of my favorites. I was so surprised at the beauty captured that I ran into the house to show my husband, whose absolutely delighted expression sealed my desire to continue pursuing my new found passion for photography.

My husband has always been incredibly supportive of all my “adventures,” encouraging me to complete a Master degree at age 48, bringing me warm chocolate chip cookies each night as I slaved over homework at the end of a very long work day (definitely gained a few pounds!). So I should not have been surprised when this man now insisted that I purchase a “real” camera, I was though, surprised that is, because I still had doubts about my ability and commitment, but he didn’t. Thank God, And I mean that literally.

I purchased a used Sony a7rIV, and a used Tamron zoom lens (couldn’t afford a Sony lens!), and I have never looked back. That was several years ago, and I’ve since updated my lens to a new Tamron zoom lens with a longer range, and added a Sony to my collection too.

Now, all I had to do was decide what kind of photographer I wanted to be when I grow up!! Right? If you are reading this and new to photography, you may have heard that in order to be successful, you have to choose a photography niche…narrowing what you photograph so you can be successful. I have been known to quip that “I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up…”! Ridiculous at my age?…maybe not! But really, who are the “they” that tell us we need to narrow our focus and limit our vision. It is important and helpful to consider the advise and experience of others, but ultimately listen to your own heart and take the photographs that feed your passion.

I Love landscape photography! and I Love portraits! and I Love lifestyle! and I Love shooting Brand photographs!… You get my drift. I have a varied portfolio of all of those listed. Some better than others, but Photography is an ongoing learning process, and your vision will change as you gain experience. Embrace that, enjoy the journey!

For me, the combination of having SO much fun taking photographs, and the arrival of each of my four amazing, beautiful and fun grandchildren (not prejudiced at all!), all of whom have been my favorite photographic subjects at one time or another, convinced me to find the courage to do what it takes to learn as much as I can, to go beyond the mediocre.

I wonder how many of you want to take that step of faith and courage and chase that dream that just won’t leave you alone? I have spent so many years behind a desk, chasing the corporate dream and the titles and the accolades…I have achieved all that I set out to achieve in that arena and I am grateful. It has served me well and supported my family, but I now find it unfulfilling and shallow at times. And more than anything, I do not want to get to the end of my life and regret that I didn’t chase that last sunset, or didn’t drop everything and just play with my grandchildren when they wanted me.

Photography is truly an art, perhaps even a calling? When your heart won’t let it go, and it dances in your head at all hours, especially when you should be focused on something in the “real world”, it is probably time to stop what you are doing and listen.

I never believed I was artistic, but I was wrong. I just had not nurtured the calling, the vision. Now I see everything as though through the lens of my camera; the lighting, the detail, the color, the depth, the subtle expressions and nuances of a weathered face that reflects the wisdom of a long life…or the beauty of the perfect skin of a child, and the light dancing in their eyes with such merriment when they have a secret…and when captured in a photo, the end result is enchanting, sometimes it is breathtaking.

Just the thought of taking such photos inspires and motivates, and gives me hope and courage to forge on and make my own path…it’s never too late, and you are never too old!