I let someone borrow my lenses and monopod (Page 3): Hopefully this will spark her creative spirits!

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

Hopefully this will spark her creative spirits!

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

jim quist wrote:

Our church has VBS this week and a girl arrived with her mother's camera and told to get the group pictures. Every year she prints these and gives one to each kid who attends. I am the unofficial/official photographer for all the church activities and normally do the group pictures and so it surprised me she would send her daughter to do them. The girl asked me for advice on doing the group pictures so I did what was for me a humbling thing.

I asked her if I could do them with her and show her how to pose groups. She said yes. Then I asked if she would like to borrow my lens and flash that I used for group pictures and she said yes. There is limited space for one of the pictures so had my a 17-40 f4. Basically I posed the groups around different theme displays and she used her mother's camera and my 17-40 and flash to take the pictures. She had a lot of fun.

Then I asked her if she would like to try out my 70-200 and the monopod and she said yes. So I showed her how to use them and she walked around taking the pictures she wanted, and we met up later.

What was so cool about this is how excited she was to use the equipment. And that made it fun for me to spend some time mentoring her and sharing my equipment. I asked her if she noticed a difference in the quality of the pictures, she smiled and said the pictures are a lot better using professional stuff.

We produce a new slide show of each day, and this is shown to the the kids before the beginning activities the next day. What was humbling for me is that normally my pictures are shown, and I had to share that 'moment' as about half the pictures shown were hers and half were mine. A lot of her pictures were very good.

The take away for me is that there are young people who are going to carry on with big cameras and lenses because they enjoy using professional equipment. And I gained a new sense of enjoyment as we did these slide shows together, and a young person had an experience that she wouldn't have had otherwise.

And her mother. Her mother thanked me for helping her. I told her to hold off on that until she sees what is probably going to be on her daughter's Christmas list.

Our church has VBS this week and a girl arrived wi... (show quote)

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

jim quist wrote:

Our church has VBS this week and a girl arrived with her mother's camera and told to get the group pictures. Every year she prints these and gives one to each kid who attends. I am the unofficial/official photographer for all the church activities and normally do the group pictures and so it surprised me she would send her daughter to do them. The girl asked me for advice on doing the group pictures so I did what was for me a humbling thing.

I asked her if I could do them with her and show her how to pose groups. She said yes. Then I asked if she would like to borrow my lens and flash that I used for group pictures and she said yes. There is limited space for one of the pictures so had my a 17-40 f4. Basically I posed the groups around different theme displays and she used her mother's camera and my 17-40 and flash to take the pictures. She had a lot of fun.

Then I asked her if she would like to try out my 70-200 and the monopod and she said yes. So I showed her how to use them and she walked around taking the pictures she wanted, and we met up later.

What was so cool about this is how excited she was to use the equipment. And that made it fun for me to spend some time mentoring her and sharing my equipment. I asked her if she noticed a difference in the quality of the pictures, she smiled and said the pictures are a lot better using professional stuff.

We produce a new slide show of each day, and this is shown to the the kids before the beginning activities the next day. What was humbling for me is that normally my pictures are shown, and I had to share that 'moment' as about half the pictures shown were hers and half were mine. A lot of her pictures were very good.

The take away for me is that there are young people who are going to carry on with big cameras and lenses because they enjoy using professional equipment. And I gained a new sense of enjoyment as we did these slide shows together, and a young person had an experience that she wouldn't have had otherwise.

And her mother. Her mother thanked me for helping her. I told her to hold off on that until she sees what is probably going to be on her daughter's Christmas list.

Our church has VBS this week and a girl arrived wi... (show quote)

She REALLY liked using your camera, but I take it you did get it back.

That was good of you to share and act as a teacher. I love talking about my cameras and lenses and photography in general. But personally I am far to cautious with my photo equipment to lets others but known experienced users touch any of my equipment. That being my wife, photo instructors and a few photographer friends.

RKL349 Loc: Connecticut

jim quist wrote:

Our church has VBS this week and a girl arrived with her mother's camera and told to get the group pictures. Every year she prints these and gives one to each kid who attends. I am the unofficial/official photographer for all the church activities and normally do the group pictures and so it surprised me she would send her daughter to do them. The girl asked me for advice on doing the group pictures so I did what was for me a humbling thing.

I asked her if I could do them with her and show her how to pose groups. She said yes. Then I asked if she would like to borrow my lens and flash that I used for group pictures and she said yes. There is limited space for one of the pictures so had my a 17-40 f4. Basically I posed the groups around different theme displays and she used her mother's camera and my 17-40 and flash to take the pictures. She had a lot of fun.

Then I asked her if she would like to try out my 70-200 and the monopod and she said yes. So I showed her how to use them and she walked around taking the pictures she wanted, and we met up later.

What was so cool about this is how excited she was to use the equipment. And that made it fun for me to spend some time mentoring her and sharing my equipment. I asked her if she noticed a difference in the quality of the pictures, she smiled and said the pictures are a lot better using professional stuff.

We produce a new slide show of each day, and this is shown to the the kids before the beginning activities the next day. What was humbling for me is that normally my pictures are shown, and I had to share that 'moment' as about half the pictures shown were hers and half were mine. A lot of her pictures were very good.

The take away for me is that there are young people who are going to carry on with big cameras and lenses because they enjoy using professional equipment. And I gained a new sense of enjoyment as we did these slide shows together, and a young person had an experience that she wouldn't have had otherwise.

And her mother. Her mother thanked me for helping her. I told her to hold off on that until she sees what is probably going to be on her daughter's Christmas list.

Our church has VBS this week and a girl arrived wi... (show quote)

Just a great story, all around. Truly a win-win for everyone!

d3200prime

jim quist wrote:

Our church has VBS this week and a girl arrived with her mother's camera and told to get the group pictures. Every year she prints these and gives one to each kid who attends. I am the unofficial/official photographer for all the church activities and normally do the group pictures and so it surprised me she would send her daughter to do them. The girl asked me for advice on doing the group pictures so I did what was for me a humbling thing.

I asked her if I could do them with her and show her how to pose groups. She said yes. Then I asked if she would like to borrow my lens and flash that I used for group pictures and she said yes. There is limited space for one of the pictures so had my a 17-40 f4. Basically I posed the groups around different theme displays and she used her mother's camera and my 17-40 and flash to take the pictures. She had a lot of fun.

Then I asked her if she would like to try out my 70-200 and the monopod and she said yes. So I showed her how to use them and she walked around taking the pictures she wanted, and we met up later.

What was so cool about this is how excited she was to use the equipment. And that made it fun for me to spend some time mentoring her and sharing my equipment. I asked her if she noticed a difference in the quality of the pictures, she smiled and said the pictures are a lot better using professional stuff.

We produce a new slide show of each day, and this is shown to the the kids before the beginning activities the next day. What was humbling for me is that normally my pictures are shown, and I had to share that 'moment' as about half the pictures shown were hers and half were mine. A lot of her pictures were very good.

The take away for me is that there are young people who are going to carry on with big cameras and lenses because they enjoy using professional equipment. And I gained a new sense of enjoyment as we did these slide shows together, and a young person had an experience that she wouldn't have had otherwise.

And her mother. Her mother thanked me for helping her. I told her to hold off on that until she sees what is probably going to be on her daughter's Christmas list.

Our church has VBS this week and a girl arrived wi... (show quote)

This is a great example of mentoring and a better example of good character on your part. You are to be praised for showing humbleness of heart in this good deed. That young lady will never forget your kindness and guidance. Your post was refreshing and encouraging because I have seen many bad actors on UHH who would have been incensed that this girl was chosen after all the times they had been asked and would have posted wanting other members to back them in their wrongheaded idea. Thanks for not being one of those. We need more folks like you around.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

jim quist wrote:

Our church has VBS this week and a girl arrived with her mother's camera and told to get the group pictures. Every year she prints these and gives one to each kid who attends. I am the unofficial/official photographer for all the church activities and normally do the group pictures and so it surprised me she would send her daughter to do them. The girl asked me for advice on doing the group pictures so I did what was for me a humbling thing.

I asked her if I could do them with her and show her how to pose groups. She said yes. Then I asked if she would like to borrow my lens and flash that I used for group pictures and she said yes. There is limited space for one of the pictures so had my a 17-40 f4. Basically I posed the groups around different theme displays and she used her mother's camera and my 17-40 and flash to take the pictures. She had a lot of fun.

Then I asked her if she would like to try out my 70-200 and the monopod and she said yes. So I showed her how to use them and she walked around taking the pictures she wanted, and we met up later.

What was so cool about this is how excited she was to use the equipment. And that made it fun for me to spend some time mentoring her and sharing my equipment. I asked her if she noticed a difference in the quality of the pictures, she smiled and said the pictures are a lot better using professional stuff.

We produce a new slide show of each day, and this is shown to the the kids before the beginning activities the next day. What was humbling for me is that normally my pictures are shown, and I had to share that 'moment' as about half the pictures shown were hers and half were mine. A lot of her pictures were very good.

The take away for me is that there are young people who are going to carry on with big cameras and lenses because they enjoy using professional equipment. And I gained a new sense of enjoyment as we did these slide shows together, and a young person had an experience that she wouldn't have had otherwise.

And her mother. Her mother thanked me for helping her. I told her to hold off on that until she sees what is probably going to be on her daughter's Christmas list.

Our church has VBS this week and a girl arrived wi... (show quote)

dan59019 Loc: Washington Mi

Love your story. For the last few years I regularly take photo walks with my 13 yr old granddaughter. It is so gratifying to see her growth as a photographer and the different perspective we have on the same subject. I'd encourage all photographers or photo hobyiest to share their time mentoring a child that has a interest in photography. It is amazing how much your photographic skills improve and the excitement the kids bring to the event.

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

A very touching experience of which you can both be proud!

JFCoupe Loc: Kent, Washington

About 18 months ago, I began mentoring a 10 year boy who had gotten interested in photography via a class exploratory project and then received a used Canon Rebel for a Christmas project.

Last fall entered four images the Washington State Fair Photo Salon. About 800+ entries and no youth division and he had two of his images selected in the show of about 400 images. He was so excited as I was. This year there is a youth division and I expect he will do well.

So, first off, mentoring young people is what will keep serious photography alive and keep cell phones from being the only cameras out there. Second, per the comments in the original post, it is very rewarding for a seasoned photographer to mentor a another photographer.

I have just finished a week at Santa Fe Photographic Workshops and can't wait to share some of my new knowledge with my young friend.

Thanks,

muphoto

That was a great thing to do. I have worked as the photographer at Marshall University for 40+ years. One of my favorite things about the job is that I get to hire student assistant photographers. I always like to see the reaction they have when they get to use the camera equipment we have. Nikon D4 and D5 cameras and a selection of lenses from 14 to 400mm. They too are quite pleased how the are able to do much more with some professional gear. This is one of the things I will miss most when I retire this January.

Blair Shaw Jr Loc: Dunnellon,Florida

Good job man. That was the righteous thing to do and the church community will benefit from your generous example. You have changed her world forever and she will see things differently and with appreciation for your gift.

Some times ....what we do is not nearly as important as How & Why we do it. The Journey is often the THING ....and not the Finish Line.

Kindness is never out of fashion.

GrannyAnnie

Wow! When I read the headline, I thought you were going to say that you loaned your equipment, never to see it again. What a lovely experience for both of you!! Looking at the photos of her, I think she has found her calling! Bravo to you for sharing both your story and your gear!

Earnest Botello Loc: Hockley, Texas

Very good of you doing what you did, Jim, I am sure that both of you enjoyed it.

EdR Loc: Gig Harbor, WA

TriX wrote:

Excellent mentoring! In the ham radio world, we call this “elmering”, and it is part of our tradition. We all need to be doing the same thing in photography to insure that we have a crop of upcoming pros that appreciate fine equipment and know how to use it. Kudos!

Maybe we could call it “Anseling”
EdR. Kc7oks

Jules Karney Loc: Las Vegas, Nevada

jim quist wrote:

Our church has VBS this week and a girl arrived with her mother's camera and told to get the group pictures. Every year she prints these and gives one to each kid who attends. I am the unofficial/official photographer for all the church activities and normally do the group pictures and so it surprised me she would send her daughter to do them. The girl asked me for advice on doing the group pictures so I did what was for me a humbling thing.

I asked her if I could do them with her and show her how to pose groups. She said yes. Then I asked if she would like to borrow my lens and flash that I used for group pictures and she said yes. There is limited space for one of the pictures so had my a 17-40 f4. Basically I posed the groups around different theme displays and she used her mother's camera and my 17-40 and flash to take the pictures. She had a lot of fun.

Then I asked her if she would like to try out my 70-200 and the monopod and she said yes. So I showed her how to use them and she walked around taking the pictures she wanted, and we met up later.

What was so cool about this is how excited she was to use the equipment. And that made it fun for me to spend some time mentoring her and sharing my equipment. I asked her if she noticed a difference in the quality of the pictures, she smiled and said the pictures are a lot better using professional stuff.

We produce a new slide show of each day, and this is shown to the the kids before the beginning activities the next day. What was humbling for me is that normally my pictures are shown, and I had to share that 'moment' as about half the pictures shown were hers and half were mine. A lot of her pictures were very good.

The take away for me is that there are young people who are going to carry on with big cameras and lenses because they enjoy using professional equipment. And I gained a new sense of enjoyment as we did these slide shows together, and a young person had an experience that she wouldn't have had otherwise.

And her mother. Her mother thanked me for helping her. I told her to hold off on that until she sees what is probably going to be on her daughter's Christmas list.

Our church has VBS this week and a girl arrived wi... (show quote)

Great story