I've been interested in the art of photography ever since high school but was never very good at it!
My interest level jumped even higher when I started following local bands around the South in 1998. My little point and shoot film camera was no match for low light conditions in bars and clubs.
A graduation present from my dad and stepmom would soon change that! In 2001, I was given a Canon Rebel 2000 35mm camera with a kit lens.
Now, I quickly learned that having a good camera did NOT make you a good photographer! But it sure was fun to practice!
I used my film camera primarily up until my son was 7 months old (in 2005) until I joined a bunch of internet boards and forums. A film camera doesn't do much good in the internet world without a good quality scanner (which we didn't have!). So we purchased a Canon Powershot A130. It was a good little camera and served its purpose well.
Reading the manual was finally what I did. And I started caring much more about my photos. I experimented with different modes and settings. The delete button was my best friend!
In May of 2007, I bought my current DSLR. After much research and worrying, I chose the Canon Rebel XTi for its price. We were using stimulus money that we didn't need to put towards anything else.
Soon after, Brian bought me a 50 mm f/ 1.8 prime lens for a gift. A new love was born and I then carried my camera everywhere I went.
I also purchased the 85 mm f/1.8 portrait lens.
Now I have my heart set on a nice zoom lens, a nice macro lens, and upgrading my 50 to a f/1.2.
Oh, and getting a better camera body :)
I guess I need to consider winning the lottery!
I currently do not charge anything to my friends and family for letting me practice on them. This may change one day; I'm really not sure :) I would love to have my own photography business but I haven't convinced myself yet.
You can check out my photography blog here at Smilin' Down Photography
