I began to say my photography hobby is a relatively new interest of me. Then I recalled those many years of photos, and how my creative style began peaking through when I bought my first camera 20 years ago.
When the kids came along we decided to invest in a compact digital camera. Not having film and processing costs took my experimentation to a whole new level. I was snapping cutesy photos of feet, arranging artsy shots of baby clothes (without kids in them) and setting up toys in fun positions. My favourite of all was capturing unposed shots of my little family as they grew and played together.
I was capturing memories and enjoying the art of it, all at the same time. I fell in love with photography.
Then 2 years ago my husband bought a DSLR. He used it occasionally, I was scared of it because I had no idea how to use it. It sat in its bag a lot.
One day my trusty compact camera broke and I turned to the DSLR to save the day.
Once this baby was in my hands there was no turning back. My incredibly thoughtful husband soon organised for me to take a half day course and my DSLR fears were gone.
The most important thing I took away from that day, aside from how to get the camera off auto, was to begin to practice everyday for 5 minutes.
My daily hobby was about to begin.
Yes, my 365 Project. Everyday since July 1st last year I have spent at least 15 minutes everyday taking a photo. My teacher was right, my photography has definitely improved as a result.
The added bonus was discovering a magnificent way to connect with and involve the kids in my creative adventures.
I looked back today and chose some of my favourite collaborations with the kids.
This became an hour long fashion shoot with my 2 incredible stars.
Although not the best photo of me, we had a fun time at the park capturing the feeling of JOY.
This photo should be named PATIENCE as it took close to 50 shots over 2 sessions to get.
When I asked Master 7 for one of his creations for this shot, he cleverly added the man with no legs for a quirky feel.
Miss 9 was only too happy to stage this Tea Party for my photo, the puppies were obviously the main characters in her story.
Never shy to photo bomb as well.
Here is my other photo bomber.
Finally a shot of the Photoaday Team.
All this fun got me thinking of other interests and hobbies you can involve the whole family in.
- Cooking
- Bike Riding
- Painting, drawing, in fact all the arts
- Golf
- Yoga
- Gardening
- Roller Skating and Ice Skating
- Bird Watching
- Bushwalking
- Snow skiing
Add to this list. What activities do you enjoy that can also involve the whole family?
Amazing photos. Such clarity Karen! My daughter is like you. She takes photos of everything. So many in fact that her phone storage was full and she had to delete several hundreds … Another activity to do as a family is running. However, as I’ve found now my two are big, it should be called running and then waiting for mom to finish.
Kelly that is so funny my phone is full a lot and I have to upload hundreds. How wonderful to have a running hobby that also involves your kids. Great stuff.
I think you’re a fantastic photographer. And that patience shot! What shutter speed was that at? It’s fantastic.
My husband’s hobby is gardening. Photography can’t really be called a hobby since it’s my career, but I do involve the family!
And I just love finding adventures.
Tamara you are so kind. The photo is a bit deceiving as it looks like the helicopter is racing by, when in fact the skill all came from my son hovering it very still, and within the shot. I would think there is a creative, experimental, just for fun side to your photography which is more hobby than business. Great hobby.
Love this! I used to take photos of everything…now the kids just groan so I only have it for their sports and when they aren’t looking. But I do love to take pictures…I love to document. If we don’t who will? The kids take all these photos, but they aren’t backing up or preserving anything. Photo documentation is my baby.
Michelle, I love how you find so many ways to preserve and honour your photos.
I discovered photography about 2 years ago….and love it. I started out using it to capture reference photos for my paintings, but it has gone way beyond that now. I love what you have captured….precious moments in time!
I love this. Our kids are still little, so we are trying lots of activities to see what interests them. I’m glad that snuggling is still on their list of favorites.
Yes Kim, go the snuggle. One of the most simple and delightful joys in my day too.
I started taking photos about two and a half years ago with a little purple point-and-shoot. It took such incredible shots! I became hooked on taking photos of my dogs playing, chasing the ball, running free at the beach. Last Christmas, I upgraded — not entirely to a DSLR, because I don’t want to have so much equipment with me on beach hikes, but to a compact bells-and-whistles camera that blows my purple point-and-shoot out of the water. I am so addicted now. I don’t even care how the photos turn out! I just love pressing that little button and seeing the magic on the screen. Thanks for sharing your photos and your photoaday challenge. You are an inspiration!
Harmony I have heard the new compacts on the market are incredible and like you said much easier to take when hiking. Adding one to my wish list.
{Melinda} Love the first and the last photos the best … awesome. 🙂 I have two teens … not as easy to entertain them as it used to be! We go to Rays games (we live closely) and also to Busch Gardens. We get passes that are good for the whole summer. Teens seem to like to do things that are active and exciting. Sometimes it’s hard for us the parents to keep up! 🙂
Melinda the teens years are fast approaching for me, this is great advice. Active and Exciting, yes I can do that.