Monday, October 05, 2015

Hobbies: Do you or don't you?



I always wanted to be an artist but lacked talent. So I wrote instead. I then needed a hobby to take my thoughts away from my writing projects so I could return energized. Last December, with my husband's persuasion, I purchased a camera and lens and bag. The works. I went to work reading every book I could get my hands on about taking good pictures.

You see, years ago, I had tried photography but it was before the digital age. For some reason, I couldn't figure out F Stops, Aperture, ISO, Bracketing, etc, When I finally sat down and read book after book, a light came on. I finally understood what it took to take a good photo.


Understanding and expecting results didn't come hand-in-hand. I have to practice and practice as much as I can. Just like my writing. I started writing small challenges for Faithwriters.Week after week. Studying the comments to improve. Eventually I submitted online to free forums. Then I challenged myself to submit for pay.

I'm following that same process with my photography. It may be years before I'm any good but I'm enjoying it as I go. Just like I did with writing.

But I also take my new hobby seriously. I carve time out of my schedule to make those practice shots. To push my creativity.

I'm still finding the kind of art I want to create with my photos but that's the joy in starting a new hobby. Anything goes

What new hobby have you taught yourself in the past years? Is there something you have been wanting to try but haven't taken the steps yet to do it?


9 comments:

Lillian Robinson said...

You have a very good eye for photography. I admire your discipline. I could sure use a dose of that! I remember teaching myself to play the guitar. If only I had that much focus today!

Ceil said...

Hi Terri! I admire your tackling photography. My friend has also developed her love for it, and she is really good. Like you, it was a lot of trial and error!

I am not artsy at all. I wish I was! I made a few wine cork wreaths for Christmas gifts, and was so proud of myself. Lol! I did burn some fingers with the glue gun though. I truly am hopeless at that! I would say that I throw myself into reading, and walking for exercise. That's going to have to do it for now :)
Blessings,
Ceil

Anonymous said...

I enjoy your photography, Terri! I have several hobbies, and one being photography. Although encouraged by my friends, I don't take it to the next level of studying more and submitting. Instead, I start other hobbies. I just started guitar lessons. I also have scrapbooked, done card-making and, of course, writing although I would like to take this to another level. Currently just sent a gratitude/success journal in to printing that also includes my photography (and to use at an upcoming workshop on goal-setting I am facilitating). I keep trying to focus on just a couple of hobbies, but there is just so much I am interested in! Keep shooting!!

Kenda Turner said...

Oh, I applaud you for your talents in photography! Enjoy the learning process. I think it opens up so much visual creativity that spills over into writing and life in general. I like photography, too, although I've never tried the fancy cameras. I still use a modest point-and-shoot, but they are so good on their own anymore that I often like the results. As for other hobbies, I'm teaching my 7 year old granddaughter how to knit and together we're working on a knitted doll. A new hobby I'd like to tackle? Importing quotes and inspirational sayings on some of my photos (e.g. picmonkey)--maybe someday, but I'm already too distracted and not writing enough!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

You are a talented photographer. I like photography too but I still don't get the F-stops and blah blahs... ;) Digital photography is simply awesome. I can keep taking the photo until it's at least close to what I want.

Anonymous said...

I think my grandchildren must think housecleaning and laundry are my hobby because they happily give me ways to "practice." Actually writing has become my hobby. I love taking pictures to use on my blog and one day I may get a half-decent camera but I doubt I would give it as much time and persistence as you. Your pictures are beautiful.

Great Grandma Lin said...

I love digital photography and graphic arts-making posters and handouts for activities. Have tried every kind of hobby available and poetry and writing were my favorites...

Sally Wessely said...

You are an inspiration to me. I keep thinking I will learn that new camera. Well, it is really not that new anymore. I will start studying more. Your photos are really stunning. You have an eye.

Question: Have learned anything about putting a watermark on the photos you share online? What do you think of doing that?

The Happy Whisk said...

Photography is a passion of mine as well. So much fun. And wow, you're pictures look great.

Cheers and boogie boogie.