Here I am, one step closer.

 I like flowers!  I think it is pretty obvious.  Every time I go out and take pictures, there is usually a flower or some other point of nature involved.  I am beginning to take people pictures.  It’s fun, especially the kids in my neighborhood.  They really ham it up and the parents appreciate a free print.  I am getting better but now I have the opportunity to really learn how to take pictures.  I was accepted into the Commercial Photography Program at Randolph Community College in Asheboro, NC.  It’s a phenomenal program with a great reputation. 

Their standards are high and I am going to have to rise to them.  I take good pictures but I want to take exceptional pictures and I am going to have to work harder than I ever have to get there.  It will be worth the effort.  I worked for years in jobs that I thought I might like but really just hated going to work.  Photography is my Zen Garden, my yoga and my peaceful place.  I can’t imagine what it will be like being paid to follow your dream and passion.

The biggest obstacle I face right now is financial.  My home, internet and cell phone have all been cut off.  I am trying to find work or work study.  At least I have food.  And through the kindness and generosity of staff and students, I have been able to get some of the supplies.  I still have to get a light-meter, tripod, T-square, more film and developing paper and another flash.  My flash doesn’t meet the standards.

I wish I had something really valuable or unique that I could list on EBay to raise money for tuition, fees, books and supplies.  Basically I would need it to go viral.  I do have a lead on two grants that I am applying for.  They won’t meet my immediate needs but they will help next semester.  Class starts in a couple of minutes, so I have to go.  Wish me luck!

Family

I had a great 4th of July but missed getting to see my daughter. I'm very proud of her. She is going to Romania to share the Good News with students there. I hope that she will take pictures and share them. She loves to have her picture taken and I love to practice taking her pictures. She doesn't always see the beauty in her pictures that I see. But then again, I prefer to be behind the lens rather than in front of it.

I think that I am a fairly good photographer but my daughter paints her pictures in words. The artistry that she weaves with the subtle nuances of meaning and the words play on my mind like the light plays on the images I capture with with my camera.

So, that is my attempt at a play on words. I think I like cameras better. So, to my daughter, when you read this...we will have to do a book together. I'll take the pictures and you weave your magic alongside them.

Another Day, More to photograph

I want to use my photography to volunteer. This will help me build my skills and networking and it allow me to help others. I just filled out a volunteer application for "Friends of Penny Min Pin Rescue" located @ http://www.rescueminpins.com/2/home.htm I had a Min Pin named Nate-Nate who was in my yard when a former landlord allowed a big pickup to cut through my driveway and yard to get to the back of their property. Nate was on a lead & run to keep him out of the road. The lady ran over and killed my precious little dog. This was in 2001. I found out when I got home from work. I moved as soon as my lease was up. He was a sweet little dog and so cute. So if I can help out this rescue organization, I sure will.

A Rose by any other name

 

I sure do love digital photography.  You don’t have to wait two weeks for your film to be developed.  Instant feedback, I love it.  This rose is one of dozens of photos that I took when my miniature rose finally started blooming.  Although the overall color looks a little off, I do think that the composition is pretty good.  I love to do nature, wildlife, and floral photography but I’m trying to branch out to “people” photography.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009, I had the good fortune to attend the "Passport 2 Success," which was held at the Greensboro Coliseum. It was a great opportunity for pin-pointing areas to work on and find available resources for the job search. I brought home a lot of good information and some great ideas for finding a way to combine photography and education.

I had googled my photography website and discovered Zazzle.com. They are a community of artists who design items to sell in a free storefront. The nice thing is that there is no capital outlay. So I've designed mouse pads, mugs, postcards, posters, stickers, calendars and so much more using my photography and get a small percentage of the sales. I have a link and illustration in the gadget at the bottom of my post. Now is the time to get your 2010 calendar. I am looking forward to photo sessions with people and in addition to framing and matting the photos, I can now offer other merchandise. Heck, I even made first class photo postage.

My main website is www.daylilydreamsphotography.com and there are examples of photography that can be used and printed right there. More to come later.

Getting Started

Hi Everyone! It's June 26th 2009 and I probably should have started posting to this blog before now. A little background first; I used to work for a major financial services company's call center as a customer service agent. It did give me the opportunity to problem-solve and find solutions for the clients. I am no longer working there and have been out of work for several months. As I look for work that combines my education, a MS in Education with a specialty in Post-secondary and Adult Education and my passion, photography; I will continue to take pictures and build my opportunity for my own business. Finding work that combines both would be a perfect world. I know that a perfect world doesn't just happen; one has to make it happen. Perhaps I may just have to pursue them as co-existant but separate pursuits. We will just have to see.