Wednesday, July 1, 2009

July is gonna be a photo-riffic month.

I have a confession.

I have been burned out on photography for about the last year or so.

Apparently, when friends know you can take a semi-decent photo, they don't hesitate to ask you to do so. It was fun at first, because people wanted me around. (Part of me enjoys being needed.) But as time went on, I felt obligated to experience social gatherings from behind the camera.

About a year ago, I made a decision to stop taking my Rebel with me. I went to a friend's birthday party, and when people asked me if I could take photos, I said no (difficult to take photos with no camera). I enjoyed the party. I still took our Powershot places, but it's not a fancy camera, so people weren't as likely to ask for favors. But my photos have been very "snapshot" lately. I can't remember the last time I put a lot of thought into taking a photo. I used to be so serious about photography, and I so badly want to return to that.

Oh, and I don't get invited to as many get-togethers now. Kinda sucks, but I'm not as frazzled.

I barely took any photos as SISiversary over the weekend, either. I regret that. (Luckily, there's a photo-pool on Flickr, so I at least have some to draw from).

Please don't take the above as whining. I promise I'm not having a pity party. I just want you to know where I'm coming from.

So, I've decided that July is the month I get back to enjoying photography. I'm starting 365 again, as well as a mugshot a day, because I think that looks like fun. I'm doing a diptych project with this gal, and I'm going to chronicle the wide assortment of banners that show up in front of our courthouse. (A friend of mine said, "Cythiana is the sign-makingest town ever." I want to prove this.) :)

Now I just have to get good at saying no for those times I don't want to feel responsible for capturing someone else's special moments.

I'm excited about starting this! I think I should make a separate blog for these photos. What do you guys think?

5 comments:

Julie Tucker-Wolek said...

YAY for U taking photos!!!! Can't wait to see them! :):):):):):):):):):)

Michelle LaPoint Rydell said...

I can so relate to this Bekka! Years ago when I mostly made cards - everybody and their brother wanted me to make cards for them and they didn't know how long it took me to make a card - aargh. I eventually stopped making them just to avoid that problem. Good for you for saying no when you need to. It's supposed to be fun!

P.S. It was awesome to meet you this weekend!!!

xo
Michelle

sandra said...

totally know what you mean-i have the same prob with my cousin.

im starting my 365 again today too! always start but never follow through. ive neglected my p&s way too much. i finaly want to document MY day and scrap about ME and how I feel. so im hoping the dailies will help.

good luck on yours!!

Norma Kennedy said...

I think many of us can really relate to what u have gone thru. I too dread family events (Im a latina and its huge) they all expect and assume I will do it for free. I finally put together a price sheet so when some one brings up photography I tell them right away "Let Me Give You A Price Sheet" So glad to read though that u are determined to regain ur luv for photography....can't wait to swing back by and see them !

Melissa said...

Yeah! I can't wait to see your 365 pics! I also love your self photos...

:)
Miss ya!