I miss my old Nikon F3. It was given to me in the 80s when I first started taking serious photography classes. When I lived in Hawaii in 1986, I had an awesome opportunity to apprentice with some professional photographers and get paid for shooting some of my own stuff. I really loved working in a darkroom. It was therapeutic. I miss it.
This is going to sound snobby and it is not meant to… but photography back then was so much different thank it is today. There were not a million and one pros popping up everywhere. The photos seen were based on the talent of the photographer, not Photoshop skills. Film was far more expensive than discs/cards are now, so you had to focus on getting the “shot” in as few takes as possible, not spam photography like so many people do with digital cameras.
My ex was not fond of my “little hobby” and so I stopped taking commissions. He did not understand more artistic pursuits. When our home burned to the ground and my equipment destroyed, I was told we had more important things to replace and was unable to replace my equipment, even though the insurance company more than compensated us for their loss.
Some days I am still bitter.
After I left him and was finally in a place where I could start again, I discovered much of what I knew was obsolete. Just like with computers – if you do not keep up, you are left in the dust. My lack of self esteem was immense and my bravery lacking.
With the brain damage I do have plus my disabilities, I feel like I am starting out brand new.
I definitely think that winning the Canon S3 was a sign. I have borrowed cameras from friends who are pros and my interest is sparked. My confidence is a bit more than it was. I have a husband who supports my creativity.
I can learn again.
