Shutter Sisters

gratitude

By

 
It is funny how we amble our way through the internet world, randomly bumping into people and sites that change our lives. I found Shutter Sisters through Kate. I found Kate through Amy. The spinning circle of the Web.
 
Shutter Sisters has changed my life. I have a hobby. What was once an open, searching space in my soul is now full, warm, happy. I do something that is considered “artistic.” Before this, the most artistic thing I had done was twirl a flag in marching band. Now, don’t get me wrong. I was good with that flag. But…
 
You know those questionnaires you are sometimes asked to fill out? That ask, “What is your hobby?” I would stare blankly at that question. Does reading count? What about randomly surfing the internet? Scolding children? Does that apply?
 
I see the world differently now. I have my camera by my side, patiently waiting for me to hit the brakes of my car, grab her compact, silver body, leap out the door and start shooting that flower that caught my eye. Scoop her up to catch my sons in action, a phenomenal sunbeam through the trees, or just a solemn cup of coffee on the counter. I find joy in winter! A season I dread. Looking at winter last year through my unassuming Canon PowerShot was a joy. A new way of seeing what, to me, has always been cold, snowy grayness. I guess what I am trying to say is this: my camera helps me find the joy in the everyday. Which, in turn, makes me a happier, better person. So, a healthy dose of gratitude for the people who got me here.
 
Thank you, Kate, for sharing this site with me.
 
Thank you, Shutter Sisters, for having me.
 
Thank you to my Flickr’ mamacitas. You inspire me. You lift me up when I am down. You bring a smile to my face daily. You make me so proud to call you my friends.
 
And thank you to my family, for constantly encouraging me and enduring my hundreds of photos a month. To my dad for buying me that Minolta twenty three years ago. That camera planted a seed that has FINALLY started to grow and flower. That was one patient, neglected seed…
 
So. “What is your hobby?”
 
Photography. Hands down.
 
Pihoto and words courtesy of Honorary Sister/Guest Blogger Heather Wolf Turner best know perhaps as Strawberry Goldie.

Comments

  7. I just love shutter sisters. It’s one of the first places I visit in the morning.

    I think all of us really resonate with these last couple posts on finding ourselves as artists and photographers. Thanks Heather for sharing.

  9. isn’t this web we weave an amazing thing? all interconnected, all paths leading to the same place. for that i’m grateful too. it’s so good to know you heather. wonderful post and beautiful photo!!

    ps- ‘scolding children’ as a hobby made me nearly laugh chai out my nose. {ha!}

  10. i like photography but it’s only something that was born out of my first hobbies: food and crafts. i cook. i eat. i create. i just so happen to blog about it and so i started taking pictures and now all three have taken over my life. 🙂

    http://www.angryasiancreations.com

    happy weekend.

  11. i like photography but it’s only something that was born out of my first hobbies: food and crafts. i cook. i eat. i create. i just so happen to blog about it and so i started taking pictures and now all three have taken over my life. 🙂

    http://www.angryasiancreations.com/

    happy weekend.

  12. So good to read your post, and then realize it was you!! Wonderful sentiment — and as always, a beautiful picture.

  15. My hobby? Yes, right now it is the picture taking. Like you my camera is there, waiting patiently, not only for me to use it. But to learn to use it right. School starts on Friday!
    KaTH

  16. Beautiful post. You captured it exactly for so many of us. The love of Shutter Sisters, the love of the camera. My favorite thing is the way a camera can stop time. There are so many beautiful moments that make me want to catch time by the tail. My little camera lets me do just that. I revisit the moments again and again.

  17. Isn’t it wonderful to find some kindred spirits? I try to talk about photography, or flickr, or Shutter Sisters to people around me, but I don’t think they get it. The other day, I said to a friend, "It’s too bad that I haven’t met anyone who "gets" me, photographically." But what I should have said was that I hadn’t met anyone IN PERSON. Because, here, I feel like there is respect and encouragement and sharing and learning, and people who "get" me, photographically!
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/ko2008/2797682461/

  19. I used to twirl a flag, too! And yell at kids! Wow… who knew there was more than one of me. ha ha.

    I love the way people end up in the right place… just where they belong. When you go backwards, it all seems like random connections… but more likely, those coincidences were the path of a soul searching for a place to rest and find joy.

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/sugarjones/

  20. Hey, you’re welcome heather! I’m so glad you’re here, and everyone else too. Such warmth and inspiration.
    xo

  21. i’m so glad i found shuttersisters. true inspiration from all of you. My daughter and i have started a photo blog but i feel we’re struggling somewhat in getting it going. any words of advice would be welcome. thanks

  25. Photography has been like an old friend to me – something I can visit when I need to/want to, and it’s always there for me.

    (My daughter is currently in high school color guard and has instructed me that I refer to it the "wrong" way – something with ‘twirling’ or ‘spinning’, and I can’t remember which is the ‘right’ way. If you’ve done it before, I’ll go with your way as correct!)

  26. Oh I almost missed this! All my mamacita’s are popping up here, I’m so proud of ya’ll!!

    Heather, you are the business hon, the queen of light.