How This Obsession Has Changed Me.

Here are my thoughts on how this obsession has changed me.

1. There are no photos of me. I tried to find a picture for my profile and realized the most recent one is from a year ago at my corporate Christmas party. It isn't that great a picture and I'm not wearing my glasses (which I love - they are shoes for your face). I am never the subject. I am not complaining mind you. I am far more comfortable behind the lens than in front. It's just that I find myself wondering where the photo diary of my life is. I capture my families good times and it seems as though they happen without my involvement. Interesting contemplation.

2. SNAP. I think in shots all the time. I am sure it is not an endearing charactoristic to hear me blurt out "snap, snap, snap" when I see something photo worthy and don't have my camera handy. I hate to let those moments go by. And when I DO have my camera with me, I slow down every trip as I just have to capture this one-time-only shot of whatever it is I am taken with. God bless my husband for being so patient. SNAP.

3. My middle fingernail on my right hand is bent in. Seriously. I have deformed my perfect nails with my HEAVY macro lens. And I don't even care. Well not much... Not enough to put the camera down anyway.

4, When I take vacations I am thinking - where can I go to get great photos instead of normal things like rest, relax, unwind... you get the idea. Then I organize walks or hikes to get those photos and am really bummed if the weather doesn't cooperate.

5. I am really, truly happy. Well, let's face it, I am a happy person by nature but this photography raises the bar. I am different behind the lens. Calmer. More appreciative and grateful. The act of focus tends to calm and focus me.

I am so very grateful for this gift, the journey, and all I have to learn ahead of me.