Sometimes I feel like a Basset Hound

Nose to the ground and hot on a scent trail, the basset hound is in its glory. Being a dog lover I have no problems identifying with a dog and wish more people would have a heart of a dog. But I would have to say I can identify the most with a basset. When on a photo outing I am looking for that picture trying to find the best angle, lighting, camera settings. Then the process starts all over again, like being out on a treasure hunt. I don't think of time, I don't think of issues going on in my life. Yet you have to be ever present to watch for people who might have designs on your camera and gear as well as things you don't want to show up in your image, my mind is totally engaged. What is hard is that I have my nose to the ground so to speak and when in a group outing you have to stop and think about others, where they're at, when you are supposed to meet up with them, or make sure you are moving along the grounds with the rest of the group. That takes a lot of brain power which challenges me to no end :)

But I have to say having friends with the same interests is truly rewarding. I am blessed to have my daughter I can bug about photography all the time. Friends are great as a sounding board when you need feedback, or a cheerleader when you feel lost in the game. They are great to shoot with because there is safety in numbers and a good friend will watch your back.

I think when you are open friends show up at the right time and I believe people meeting is not a random accidental chance. Before getting back into photography over a year and a half ago I had been manipulating photos into personalized art. I started getting into doing shows to sell. One of the shows I met a professional artist by the name of Ellen Snyder http://www.ellensnyder.com/index.htm who offered watercolor lessons. Taking her class has enriched my life more than words can describe.

Not only is she my mentor but she became one of my best friends along with many of her students. Ellen and I started to do a few small shows together. Really they were more on the line of the great misadventures of the day. Wind blowing over racks and the tent, smashed glass, oh and the small fire that ruined a craft mat of mine started by a magnifying glass. (That picture is of Ellen's cat, who tolerates us coming into her territory for our painting lessons each week. I in turn reward her by letting bugs into Ellen's home, not intentionally, but she doesn't know that. )

In photography I am starting to get to know new friends and to think of all the adventurous misadventures that lie ahead :) Enrich your life by opening a door and just saying hi to that friend you don't know yet.