It seems a lifetime ago when at school we had to attend careers advice meetings. These were supposed to be a positive experience. However it was far from that for me, having been interested in picture taking since a very early age. I had my first camera when I was 5 a Kodak Brownie 127. I remember at this meeting being told being a photographer isn't a real career choice, and unless you move to London very difficult to get into.
Well having left school and found "A Career" photography still remained a big part of my life, more as a hobby. Having had the seed sown that it would not be something I could realistically get into. Life moves on marriages come and go, as do jobs. Until I discover my true love and passion working in the field of mental health specializing in Autism. Still taking the odd picture but not as many as I would have loved.
However then things change as with everything technology comes along and turns us upside down. Firstly computers, then digital cameras. Well I was drawn in hook line and sinker. Rejuvenated and inspired again I was snapping away, and loving the emotions photography and being creative stirred in me. Still not enough time with work and family commitments however I was happy with the stolen moments I got with my camera.
Then about 7 years ago out of the blue my world was turned upside down, when I suffered a major heart attack and complications. I ended up having to give up the one job in my life that I loved and even if I say sop myself was good at. Unable to work and stuck in the house what was I going to do, to stop my self going mad. I was at a very low point in my life not knowing what the future had for me. Then my beloved wife said one day you have always loved Photography, why not think about taking that up.
Well this got the creative juices running following some research I found my self enrolling to undertake a diploma in Photography. This was just the thing I needed, it made me think again about a possible career as a Photographer. I studied hard and finally completed and was awarded my diploma in November 2011.
The next couple of years my health has improved and I now feel fitter than I was 20 years ago. I had my camera with me all the time continuing to learn and develop my skills. Well cutting a long story short I am 60 this month, and 45 years after that fateful meeting that destroyed a young boys dream. My dream has finally come true. I will be opening my very own photo studio.
I suppose the morel of this story is if you have a dream, only you can turn it into reality. Also dont letter others muddy the waters for you just follow your dream.
A very quick edit to this blog following a post on Facebook by a very good acquaintance of mine Mr Andrew Robinson Who went out of his way to produce this wonderful image of a Kodak Brownie 127. Many thanks Andrew you have just made my day.
No comments:
Post a Comment