Pixiq

I’m honored to have been asked to write for Damien but I have to confess…I was astounded, perplexed, and incredulous at the request. After all, this site is visited by professionals, no? What could a novice photographer like me have anything to say that would educate anyone who visits here? I decided that instead of pretending I know anything about anything photography related, I’m going write about what I know best…my own photographic experience, my own beginning and my own long journey ahead.

Because I believe that it’s similar to what most of you went through or else you would not be in this profession.

And my hope is…that many of you can relate still.

Because as with anything, photography as a profession can turn out to be, well, work. Packing equipment, loading equipment, taking props, hoping the bride doesn’t break-down, hoping Aunt Sally doesn’t drink too much – oh but I don’t know anything about professional photography.

Just the task of culling photos can be chore, and I know all about that. I have at times said to myself, “I should charge for this.” Because as we all know, we are not asked to get people together and push a button. We are asked to be artists, and artistry needs passion, curiosity and energy to sustain itself. And this, my fellow photogs, is where I’m at. I have the passion still. I look at the world through my lens. I want to capture people, food, dogs, dirty dishes, whatever. I feel like I felt when I first fell in love with my husband. The newness of it all is intoxicating. Everything I learn makes me say, “Wow.”

I will now jump at the chance to go new places and do new things. I have before, but now there’s an anticipation of that perfect shot. Because I always take my camera. Because it’s now a part of me, as surely as my birthmarks and my fingerprints are. And because, I love it!

So if you are ever in a photography “rut” where you feel that you can’t shake that I’ve-seen-it-and-done-it feeling, try this. Remember when you first fell in love with your camera. Remember now you anticipated that first shot, or learned a new technique or perhaps bought your next dream lens. It’s a love affair. Be careful to nurture it, to remember why you are doing what you are doing. Remember to learn new things and then let those new things transform your work and take it to new heights.

And always hope that Aunt Sally will drink too much. You may get the shot!

Puna Miller is a housewife, photo-enthusiast, and blogger. More of her wonderful photography can be found at her Flickr page LifeSignatures and you can also get more of her writing and photography at her blog LifeSignatures.