I didn't have a choice! My father took hundreds of photos and we had to sit and watch slide shows for hours. My oldest brother came home after Viet Nam and set up a dark room in our home, so I learned how to do B&W, and later color developing and printing. I have 2 brothers and 1 sister who are Paid photographers for their work.
Of course I want to preserve memories of my family, friends, and the beautiful scenery I see every day. Most of all I need to use this camera since I spent so much money on it and the lenses, so I'll feel good about that expence.....LOL

I am really late today. Have been thinking about this topic and decided to post before looking at other posts so I wouldn't change my mind. I don't know "when" I decided I really wanted to "take pictures". But I remember being greatly influenced by the photography in National Geographic and thinking how much I would like to be able to "take pictures like that!". I have had some sort of camera since I was in grade school and kept lots of albums. I became known as the family historian. As I grew older my interest in writing also emerged and there was something that made me think "photojournalist". I have been "journalling" our lives and the beauty around us for years. WIll it ever mean something to anyone? I don't know, but I know I am compelled to keep at it. And , yes, I STILL look at National Geographic thinking "I'd sure like to take pictures like that", BUT now I know how some of them were taken, the art of them and the patience and practice. UHH friends, through comments, posts and challenges are rapidly improving my skills. Why did I become, (or why am I working at "becoming") a skilled photographer?

Because…..

I have always loved photography... I chronicled everything. My first camera was a Kodak instamatic, followed by a Kodak pocket camera and the the disc camera. About 18 years ago my mom let me borrow her Minolta for a trip to Africa. I still have that camera. I have since gone thur a handful of digitals until April 2011 when I got my Canon SX30 is. After some "lucky shots" and a trip to Bayfield in October, I found all of you. I have never been more inspired by such wonderful and knowledgeable people. I have always seen things differently then most. Now I have a place to share what I see and what I have learned.