The Unfolding Journey: From Blog to Photography Passion

When I first embarked on this blogging adventure, the path ahead was anything but clear. Honestly, I envisioned this space primarily as a beauty blog, a hub for makeup reviews and skincare tips. Yet, as the months turned into years, the reality couldn’t have been more different. My mentions of beauty products could barely fill the fingers of one hand. Instead, this blog organically transformed into a canvas for whatever sparked my interest and creativity, primarily gravitating towards two distinct passions: culinary creations and the art of photography, sprinkled with occasional personal reflections and random musings. This evolution wasn’t planned; it was a delightful discovery, revealing how a digital space can mirror the ever-changing landscape of one’s life and interests. This journey of unexpected turns has been incredibly rewarding, allowing me the freedom to explore and share what truly resonates with me.

Rediscovering the Lens: A Lifelong Fascination Rekindled

While the ultimate direction of this blog remains beautifully ambiguous – a fluidity I wholeheartedly embrace – one profound revelation has emerged: a fervent passion for photography. Like countless others, I’ve always harbored a secret desire to delve into the world of capturing images. My first encounter with a “serious” camera dates back to when I was about ten years old. My parents, recognizing a nascent interest, generously gifted me a sophisticated Canon Rebel – a film camera, of course, given the era. However, as is often the case with children and new hobbies, my initial enthusiasm quickly waned. I often attribute this early disinterest to the rudimentary state of the internet back then, which offered nowhere near the wealth of educational resources and inspiring communities we enjoy today. The learning curve was steep, feedback was delayed, and the instant gratification that digital photography offers was entirely absent. In truth, a significant part of it was simply being a typical kid, more inclined to spend my days instant messaging friends and indulging in television. That old film camera, regrettably, drifted into obscurity, its fate unknown.

The Quest for the Perfect Shot: My DSLR Journey Begins

Fast forward sixteen years, and the dormant seed of photographic interest began to sprout once more. This time, however, my approach was far more deliberate and informed. I felt a compelling urge to revisit photography, but with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment. My research into Digital Single-Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera models began, driven by a desire for something more advanced than an entry-level Rebel, yet without the prohibitive price tag of professional-grade equipment costing thousands. The goal was to find a camera that struck the perfect balance between capability and affordability, a tool that could support my budding passion without breaking the bank. After diligently scouring various platforms, I stumbled upon an incredible deal on Craigslist: a Canon 60D. It was precisely what I was looking for, offering a significant upgrade in features and performance. The only hurdle was a minor shortfall in my “camera fund.” I kept a close watch on the listing, hoping it wouldn’t be snatched up before I could gather the remaining funds.

Then, in a truly heartwarming gesture, my husband surprised me with the exact amount I needed – $400 in cash. He had quietly sold a few unused items from his safe, demonstrating an incredible level of support and belief in my burgeoning passion. This act of kindness solidified my determination. I immediately contacted the seller, arranged a meeting, and soon, the Canon 60D was mine! The camera was in impeccable, like-new condition, still adorned with its protective screen stickers. Adding to the delight, the previous owner generously included his high-quality camera bag and several other accessories he had purchased but never utilized. It felt like destiny, a perfect alignment of circumstances that propelled me into this exciting new chapter of my life.

From Casual Interest to Full-Blown Photography Obsession

Initially, a degree of skepticism lingered. I readily admit to a history of enthusiastically embracing new hobbies only to abandon them prematurely. The fear of this new passion becoming another forgotten pursuit was real. However, a deep conviction told me that I wouldn’t know unless I truly committed myself and tried again. So, I plunged in. Seven months later, I can confidently declare myself utterly obsessed. This isn’t just a casual interest; it’s a profound absorption that demands my attention late into the night. There are countless evenings where I literally have to drag myself away from my camera or the endless possibilities within Photoshop, knowing that otherwise, I’d get only a couple of hours of sleep before the workday begins. This obsession manifests in surprising ways: I’d genuinely rather invest my birthday money in a new camera lens, opening up new creative avenues, than splurge on a coveted Kate Spade purse. This shift in priorities truly highlights the depth of my commitment to my craft.

My dedication extends to the meticulous process of capturing the perfect shot. I once spent three laborious hours meticulously arranging and lighting a heart-shaped raspberry pie, striving to achieve just the right angle and ambience. Three hours! This level of commitment might seem extreme to some, but for me, it’s a testament to the joy and challenge of visual storytelling. Each click of the shutter, each tweak in post-processing, is a step closer to realizing the vision in my mind’s eye. Photography has become more than a hobby; it’s a creative outlet that consistently challenges me, fuels my imagination, and brings immense satisfaction. The continuous learning curve, the technical nuances, and the artistic expression all combine to make it an incredibly fulfilling pursuit.

Embracing the Vision: My Journey into Professional Photography

To cut through all this heartfelt rambling and get straight to the point: Hello, I’m Brita, and I am absolutely enamored with photography. My thoughts have been consumed by it over the past few months, and I’ve decided it’s time to truly commit to “doing the whole photography thing.” What exactly that entails, I’m still figuring out, but the resolve is firm. I’m eager to transform this fervent passion into something more tangible and share my perspective through the lens. As a crucial first step in building a diverse portfolio and honing my skills, I’ve been actively requesting friends and family to let me photograph them and their adorable children, all free of charge. These practice sessions are invaluable, allowing me to experiment with different lighting conditions, compositions, and subjects, gradually refining my craft and confidence. It’s an exciting phase of growth, where every shoot is a learning opportunity and every captured moment contributes to my evolving artistic voice, preparing me for a more professional endeavor.

This past weekend offered a wonderful opportunity to put this plan into action. I had the immense pleasure of spending time with and photographing my dear friend Chelsea, affectionately known as “Honey Badger” in the vibrant world of Roller Derby, and her absolutely delightful daughter, Milley. The session was filled with laughter, genuine moments, and the unique energy that only true friendships can bring. It was a fantastic experience, allowing me to capture their personalities in a relaxed and authentic setting. Documenting their bond and Milley’s youthful exuberance was a true pleasure. And look! I even took the liberty of adding a fancy watermark to the images, a small step towards branding my work. Does it look professional? Is it a good touch? I’m always open to feedback as I navigate these new waters of presenting my work, aiming for both quality and recognition.

Apparently, my affection for my new watermark runs so deep that I inadvertently placed it on this particular image twice. Oops! But you know what? I’m leaving it as is – a charming testament to a passion still finding its footing. It’s all part of the journey, after all, and even small imperfections can tell a story of growth and learning in the creative process.

And check out these absolutely COOL SHOES that Milley was rocking during our shoot! They added such a fun, personal touch to her energetic personality. It’s often the small details like these that truly bring a photograph to life and contribute to the overall narrative of a portrait session.

As this journey unfolds, I’m incredibly excited to continue exploring the world through my lens, sharing both my culinary creations and my photographic endeavors with all of you. Thank you for being a part of this evolving adventure! Your support and engagement mean the world to me as I learn, grow, and capture more beautiful moments.