Week 29 of My Project 52 Photography Challenge: Rich

In the third grade, my teacher asked us to write down, on a piece of paper, what we wanted to be when we grew up. Then, she gave our class the assignment to write to a professional who was working in the field. We were to ask questions about their job, what they had to do to become a worker in their chosen profession and ask if they had any advice for us. I wrote down “photographer”.

For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a photographer. As young as 7, I can remember setting up my own little “studio”, by pointing a few flash lights at baby-blanket backdrops, grabbing some toys as props and coaxing our cat, Sam, to pose as my “model”. So, when high school rolled around, I was very keen on signing up for the photography class. Unfortunately though, it was a pretty expensive class. Between the film, paper & chemistry, it added up quick. Not to mention, I would need a camera.

Week 29 of My Project 52 Photography Challenge: Rich

Growing up, we didn’t have a lot of “extra” money floating around. My dad was a hard worker at the local steel plant and, as the sole financial provider, he supported his family of 4 just fine, but with not much left over. So, buying a camera for his teenage daughter, was quite the stretch. I will never forget the day we found this used Pentax K1000 listed for sale in the local paper, and he drove me out to get it. At the time, I felt a bit more “rich” by having this “fancy” camera to play with.

In reality, my dad bought me so much more than just a camera that day. He gave me a hobby, that turned into a passion, that turned into a career that I love.

Over the years, photography has enriched my life in ways I never would’ve imagined. Because of photography I have traveled to places I never thought I would travel, met people and made friends that I never would have, and documented so many wonderful moments throughout my life. Now that I get to work as a wedding photographer in Baltimore, I get to document one of the most important days in a couples’ life. It is really cool, knowing that 40 years from now, couples will be showing their grandkids the images that I took for them on their wedding day. Seriously, how freaking cool is that?

They say that money can’t buy you happiness, but that $100 my dad spent on a camera that day, bought me a lifetime of happiness, and I couldn’t feel richer.

Thanks, Dad.

Be sure to check out last week’s Project 52 Photography Challenge, on the blog.

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