I took this on a date last night to a local winery for dinner. The view looking over the rolling hills of vineyards was breathtaking and reminded me a bit of Napa Valley, where we visited a handful of times while we lived close to the area in California. I so loved it there and miss being able to go there.
Michael was annoyed that I brought my camera to the place (I knew it would be scenic). I pointed out that he had his cell phone and would take photos, too. My cell is old one from years ago and takes worthless photos. I left it in the car for dinner and then took it on our quick walk before we left. The sun was setting over the vineyard and I had to capture it. I was informed that photography is a selfish hobby...and I don't know what to do with that. I've tried to be better with taking photos less, tried to capture our kids more, I do try (though not super successfully at times) to spend less time on 365. Sometimes, I feel I can't win. Perhaps if I made us some money with my photography and it would be viewed as not a waste of time.
The shot is pretty, though. I do wish that I had had on my other lens for a wider angle...had to go portrait to get the sunset in the shot. Also wish I had fiddled with the settings, and knew them better so I wouldn't have to. Basically, I was trying to get some good shots while not being too selfish on my date.
Happy weekend, friends. Probably need to lay off for a bit so that I can figure out how to be appropriate with my hobbies and passions.
Trouble is I think photography is so much more than a hobby! It's my sanity, it's my breath amidst the chaos of the day, it's my passion and my calling. Might sound silly but I have no idea what I did before I found photography. I just wish I'd found it years and years ago. The sky in this is beautiful. Those colours are incredible xx
Such a beautiful shot, Amanda. Photography has been a passion of mine for years but a somewhat lonesome one without much meaning in the more recent years. When 365 came into my life, I lit up and was happy to find a place to share, learn, be inspired and even make friends. I hope all goes ok for you as beyond your fabulous photos, creativity, story telling, and kindness, you are enjoyed by many here and have become friends with many too. You take amazing photos and I hope you do not over think what was said and enjoy what you do so well as life is a balancing act that in my opinion you do very well. FAV
Oh sweetie...I am familiar with the argument.I finally got hubby to understand that this is not a hobby..but a creative outlet that is important to my spirit! It is part of who I am and if he loves me,he loves all of me. I have even gotten him to be a model more!And that is thanks to YOUR hubby!Now photography only bothers him when I am down on the ground with my but up in the air.LOL .( macro photography has me doing that a lot)
Gorgeous and a fav for me...and Darlene and Lisa said it best - this has become much more than a hobby for me - it's a huge stress reliever and provide such happy little moments throughout my day. And don't even get me started on how wonderful this community is...
Love the sunset and love your story. I think that any of us that are still here after two years can be considered well and truly hooked. I know I am. You and all my friends open up a window to another part of the world each day. Thank you.
This is so beautiful - and I loved Hope's idea of turning it into a card for your guy. I think it sounds like he is jealous of your camera....I'm not sure what the solution is, but I hope you find a happy solution. I think you are very talented!
Anything I would say has already been said...it's tough and there aren't easy answers...but a solution is not to give up a key part of your life, only to think about balance.
Everyone has said such wonderful things to you. My first reaction was to feel so sad for you that your husband doesn't understand but he only says that because he loves you and like us, wants a part of you, lol. My word for this year was 'balance' because I know how I can sit here for hours and hours and I have so many other things I want to fit into my life. I hope you find your balance.
This is a good shot Amanda and you are such a great photographer. I have always had a love for photography and when I first came to Australia I needed my husband to take me to a camera Club so he joined as well and now photography is both of our lives. It is my passion but not so we have made compromises over how we spend our time. I feel I have been fortunate that he has joined me so I do hope you find a solution that you are both happy with.
Oh girlfriend, big hug - this too shall pass. I am personally hugely surprised my guy and I haven't had this exact conversation yet, believe me my day will be coming soon. At first my 365 addiction was exciting then interesting, then cute, now it has become politely tolerated. Hang in there :)
Oh I have the same conversations, and agree that if it earned me money, it would be viewed differently. However, as I explain, it is a part of me and what makes me happy and people close to me see that and like me to be happy too. This is a beautiful shot, and it certainly isn't selfish as you are sharing this view and giving a lot of people pleasure through sharing it.
Hugs to you, Amanda! As others have said... balance is definitely the key. Perhaps there is a schedule here that would be more "hubby friendly" - like posting every other day, etc? Try different things but don't stop doing what makes you happy and fulfilled. Lovely shot, btw!
It seems to my that photography and expressing yourself is your passion. Stay strong girl! You're good at it! Such a beautiful shot! That sky is gorgeous!
Will things be different when kids back at school? Is this part of what its about? Your place and role now littlest starting school? just a guess....huge assumption... A tough tough one. I question and struggle with the balance thing in 365 and further afield. Its a passion and a gifting for you. Hope you do find that balance. Sorry not much use. Got a screwed up wish I had something useful to add face on. Perhaps that'll make a good selfie??
beautiful capture of a beautiful sunset. everything i wished to say has been said above. i had the same experience with partner in the beginning. for us, it did make a difference when i was able to sell some of my photos, i think it got him to realize that there was potential to this 'hobby'. but the "balance" i found was whenever we go out, i would ask if i can bring my camera. if he said 'no' and we got to a place where there were a lot of photo opportunities, he'd be the one to say, "oh, that would be good if...." then he realized his folly, although i would understand that he wanted to be my primary interest. whenever partner told me "always the camera, always 365" i would tell him, "better than going to the casino, yes?" that shut him up as he has a friend whose wife became addicted to gambling. now, that is a selfish hobby!
This is beautiful, Amanda! I appreciate your share. I can totally relate. My husband thinks the time spent on my photography is excessive as well. He wanted a special date last weekend, but asked that I not bring the camera, so that he could feel that my attention was fully focused on him. I think I'm an addict though. It's worse if I don't have my camera, because then my focus is on what little moments I might have missed had I only had that camera. Ridiculous, I know. But, I'm guessing you know what I mean.
In the meantime, I do want you to know that I FINALLY got the photos posted, titled and numbered. Sorry I was such a slow learner. Here's the link: http://365project.org/discuss/themes-competitions/23344/six-word-story-14-please-vote
@kareenking I totally know what you mean. I am fine often now without my camera and usually don't miss it too much when I don't have it, but there are times that I want it...need it along. I only shoot a couple, few times a week and have enough shots to cover my week usually. I think that it is time spent online editing and on 365 that is the real bother to him. I get it, but... thank you!!!
@summerfield Maybe I should start gambling instead?! There could be worse addictions, right? Thanks so much for your great input, my friend!!
Great sky. FOr me, photography is the key that unlocks the door to my creative side. I find it difficult to practice my craft when around non photographers. So my photo shoots are done solo (with the occasional photographer companion). Perhaps if you had a smaller but high quality camera it would be less conspicuous on date nights (hint - the Sony RX100 is fabulous and version 1 just had a major price reduction).
Beautiful sunset and landscape!
In the meantime, I do want you to know that I FINALLY got the photos posted, titled and numbered. Sorry I was such a slow learner. Here's the link: http://365project.org/discuss/themes-competitions/23344/six-word-story-14-please-vote
@summerfield Maybe I should start gambling instead?! There could be worse addictions, right? Thanks so much for your great input, my friend!!