Summer 2008, and my mom’s friend let me borrow her Canon 20D because “I liked the way the clicker (who knew what a shutter was then?) sounds like a real camera and not my little Powershot.” Pretty soon, my girlfriend and I were in my parents’ bathroom, squishing close together so we could both fit our faces in the oval mirror to apply dramatic make-up. America’s Next Top Model: College (but-really-just-playing-dress-up) Edition.
We’d each take turns posing while the other one took the photo. I remember getting frustrated because my photos weren’t turning out how I envisioned them. I’d sigh and start commanding: Don’t put me right in the center of the photo! or Only from chest up! before quickly scurrying back into my (*ahem* much practiced) model pose—pout and all.
But I knew. I knew right then that no matter how much I wanted to be in front of the camera, I belonged behind the camera.
While I’ve switched from automatic mode (and flash—oh no) and no longer revel being in front of the camera (yikes!), I still feel a sense of belonging as I gently press my left-eye to my viewfinder and capture everyday fleeting moments, significant occasions, and simply…beauty.
Old dreams have done goneand packed their bags to let new dream move in. So while I don’t necessarily want to be featured in a JC Penney catalog as a model; YES, I’d die-and-go-to-heaven LOVE to be featured in The Knot or Martha Stewart Wedding as the photographer. ;P
Happy 100, Blog. Cheers to another 100!
100 posts! Go you!! Although, I would have to argue, you are pretty fabulous in FRONT of the camera as well ;) Cheers, B!
ReplyDeleteI don't know why, but I was just thinking about those old photos the other day! I remember when you put them on MySpace or whatever and I was like, WHOA..amazing! I still think you could be a model, but I also think your photos definitely have a huge chance of being featured in a magazine. Happy 100!!!! :)
ReplyDeleteKristen, you've been such a wonderful mentor and friend, and I'm so thankful you were our wedding photographer!
ReplyDeleteSteph, thank you for continually believing in my dreams! :)