So, you think you're a photographer?!

Peacock from the Assiniboine Park Zoo

So, as you know, this blog is all about living MY passions.  My work with life coaching and being a Passion Test facilitator allows me to help my clients figure out and work towards their goals and dreams.  I love doing that, there is nothing more rewarding, however, if I am going to be doing this work authentically, I need to walk the talk, and so here is where I share how I do that.
Don't get me wrong, I don't spend all of my time travelling, taking pictures and playing music.  However, I do make those things a priority that I work towards on a daily basis, because those are my passions.  It's been a lot of work to learn to say no to the things that matter least, so I can shout a resounding YES to those things that matter most to me.
In living this passionate life, I've always fancied myself to be a pretty good photographer.  I've had a camera in my hand since the age of 6 or 7 when my Dad gave me his old square box one from the 40s.  When at 19 my parents offered to by me a car, because they'd neglected to earlier, and had done so for both of my siblings, I chose instead that they buy me the Canon AE1 35mm Program camera instead, as it was the newest, hottest thing on the market at that time.  And my passion continued to grow.
As time has gone on, I've come into the digital world and have gone through a number of good cameras, continuing to move up the ladder and love the snapping!  Especially now that I'm not throwing money into the fire by having to pay for the hundreds of pictures that weren't really all that great once they were developed.

Places Scotland Glencoe Lochan

Over the years, I've continue to enjoy the hobby with no real training.  Now that I'm living my passions more intentionally, I decided that it might be good to see if some of this passion could be translated into an income that would allow me to enjoy more time with it, and so it was that I recently signed up with Dreamstime.  A new adventure has begun!
What I can tell you is that I have much, much to learn!  That has been a really good lesson for me at this stage in my life.  One things you've figured most of it out, but I've learned that in the world of stock photography I really don't know a darn thing.  But that's okay!  I am a life long learner, and this is one more lesson that has come my way.  I'm loving it!
These photos , sadly didn't make the cut.  But, the good news is that from what I'm beginning to learn from my mistakes is paying off in that now my photos are beginning to.  This, like everything worth doing, is going to be a much slower, harder journey than I first thought it would be.  But I know it's going to be well worth it in the end.
Now, do I mean well worth it in terms of money earned as a stock photographer?  Not likely, but who knows about that.  Time will only tell.  But well worth it in that I'm giving myself permission and a push to pursue something I love, love, love doing.  I'm looking at my photography through a different lens now you might say.  Realizing that there is much more I can be doing to turn my passion into a craft.  Taking time to read all the tips and suggestions and yes...getting better at it.  Sometimes success lies in just knowing you're improving at whatever it is that you're passionate about. For now, I'm good with that....so off I go to snap away! 

Penguin at the Assiniboine Park Zoo

Note to my readers:  I need you to know that if you do decide to click on any of the advertisements on my site, I may receive compensation as an affiliate of these businesses that I support...but I hope you know that in doing so you are supporting my Freedom 55 plan and my dream of living my life in sandals!  Merci!

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