a gift in a gift

 

At a recent gathering I was approached by a bright-eyed teen who was looking for some guidance about getting into photography. What school to go to, what classes to take, what kind of job to look for, if jobs were readily available, etc. I didn’t really know what to tell her as it has been years since I was there—the world at my feet, the endless possibilities of which road to travel down and the giddy anticipation of where to go and how to get there. Mind you, endless possibilities still exist for me now; they just look a little different at 40 than they did at 20.

My message to her in a nutshell was there are no right or wrong answers to her questions. She said wasn’t convinced that a career in photography was her end goal but that it was something she loved doing and knew it could be a career if she choose to pursue it. Indeed. Of course, I encouraged her to take classes and learn as much as she could as she explored her options. It certainly can’t hurt. No matter which way her path leads her, spending time developing her photography skills is something she’ll never regret and most likely always use. This is true for anyone with a passion for the medium.

If there is one thing I have heard affirmed here at Shutter Sisters in post after post and comment after comment is that photography is a creative gift where the satisfaction of distilling a single fleeting moment in a picture is reward enough to keep us clicking, creating, learning and growing as photographers, paid or otherwise. There is a gift to be had by being behind the camera. And at the same time there is a gift we are offering our subjects through the photos we take.

I shot the image featured today this past weekend of a family that I have had the pleasure of working with since before their youngest son (far right) was even born. That I have had the honor of getting to know them and to watch and photograph these children as they grow with each passing year is a gift to me for certain. And I know that what I offer via their annual portraits is also a gift…a gift to this family. There is no question because their mother (a client whom I now call friend) tells me again and again.

Every minute I have spent in my life shooting photos, learning more, pushing myself creatively for work or for play has been time and energy well spent and there is simply nothing more gratifying than that.

Comments

[Jodyangel]

My friend Christina has a beautiful baby girl Emma. When she saw this photo I took while visiting with her, she was Ecstatic! She loved it!
This is why I love photography. To make someone smile..even me!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jodyangel/2804794714/in/set-72157606995449322/

[Marcie]

My advice to young people wishing to pursue photography is to simply practice and practice and practice..and to follow their hearts.

[ELK]

Tracey and all the sisiters ~ many thanks for the gift of this site to share the creativity no matter young or old...novice or professional.

[shelli]

I agree with everything said here, but as I am pushing 40, I often look back and wish I had more practical advice about career. I wanted to be a writer, but at twenty I didn't even know the questions to ask, let alone that I should be asking them. Though I have no complaints about my life now, if I could do it over, I would do many things differently. I applaud that young girl for approaching you and trying to find some practical answers. Surely trying to get a job as an assistant to a photographer would be beneficial?

[abbey]

I say find a mentor and study under them! Hands on learning is just the best!!!

I love the everyday moments as much as the big moments!
http://www.photoblog.com/abbeyh13/2008/04/25/343-youre-the-sun--you-shine-on-me.html

[margie]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/margela/

a photo taken on mother's day. candid and sweet.

[renee @ FIMBY]

So agree with this

"photography is a creative gift where the satisfaction of distilling a single fleeting moment in a picture is reward enough to keep us clicking, creating, learning and growing as photographers"

Just last night I was delighted, giddy almost, as I reviewed my photos of the day and saw that I had indeed captured the fleeting moments. A ripe tomato on the vine, sunlight on fall flowers, my disheveled, but funky 5 year old daughter crafting on the sunny floor. Award winning photos - no. But gifts, yes. To myself (I'll love to revisit those flowers in January) and hopefully my family who will appreciate their camera clicking mama in years to come.

http://fimby.tougas.net/Labor_Day_Gifts

[~ kristina ~]

So true. Like Renee says, photos are gifts that we give to ourselves, too. These photos below remind me of preparing a meal for my family when visiting them in May; all of the photos on my blog are gifts to help me remember.

http://meadowlarkdays.blogspot.com/2008/09/today-i-am.html

[jfrancis]

sand and sea
frolic
with children

[Kath]

I spent the day with my great niece not too long ago. She was a willing subject. I took so many photos that I created a gallery and sent it to her parents, grandparents, other uncles and aunts. Everyone was so grateful.

It is, indeed, a gift. For others and ourselves.

My camera's gift to me right now is the gift of trust in myself. I have to trust that I still have an ability to learn. I worried that I may not be able to learn, but I am, slowly but surely, step by step getting better and better and understanding more and more.

Kath

[claudia]

The best photo gift I ever gave was when I shot a photo of my husband's uncle and his wife at a family wedding. At his funeral, just a few short months later, I was able to give his wife the last photo taken of the two of them. I've taken so many shots of beautiful places and things for myself, but that one shot stands out as the most meaningful for someone else. I think about that now everytime we attend a family function as everyone gets older, you just never know...

[Betz]

I had a situation much like Claudia. My nephew's wife asked me to take a photo of her Grandfather with her children and her brother's children. It was impromptu... I didn't have my 580EXII.. the room was small and poorly lit but managed to pull a photo out of it with the help of Lightroom.

They had the photo framed for him and he wanted it placed on his nightstand so he could see it each night before he drifted off to sleep and then again each morning when he awoke. He died in his sleep just 2 weeks later. I'm tearing up now just thinking about the fact that the last thing he saw was the smiling faces of his loved ones even though they weren't physically with him that night.

It is such an incredible gift to be able to provide someone with moments from their lives that become tangible through the photo.

Once again, another beautiful post.

[spread your wings]

such a beautiful, spontaneous capture of these children.
thank you so much for your post. i have a daughter who is pursuing a degree in photography (she just started college this fall). I will share your site with her. Your incredible talent and insight will surely inspire her. If you have a mind to do so take a look at her work.

http://flickr.com/photos/shutterxdown

[melody is slurping life]

Your passionate words...what can I say. You, Tracey, are contagious.

[littlepurplecow]

Tracey, dreamy image and beautiful words. It is a indeed a gift to share a view of the world through our eyes.