Over the past twelve months I have come to love my camera. I enjoy the creativity involved in capturing the daily adventures of our lives through the camera lens.

I think I take decent photos. Candid potraits of my children and my husband and my friends and nature and, of course, my children. My style has become one of capturing the moment rather than poses.

I am under no illusion that I am a brilliant photographer. I am in awe of photographers like Jay Reilly and Tara Whitney who are so incredibly talented that they can create a career out of their art. But, I think I take a decent picture.

So I have decided to take my photography to the next level. I am going to start slowly and begin offering candid photo sessions to friends. I thought it might be fun to hang out with a family for a couple of hours – at the park or some other relaxed setting – and just take a series of photos. I would charge a small fee and promise 20 digital shots that they can then go ahead and print in any way they wish.

I need to start with friends because, frankly, I’m nervous. My photos up until now have be reliant on having two little models in close proximity who I can just shoot any time I see a moment. This venture would mean creating an environment – and relying on the weather… and my photography skills. That’s why I’m starting with friends. I need people who are willing to forgive if for some reason it doesn’t work out.

Here are the steps I’m taking:

1. Think of a business name – I think we have one but I’m letting it grow on me.
2. Learn more about my camera – I began with a two day intensive photography course last weekend and now I am in practice mode.
3. Practice, Practice, Practice – until Aperture and Shutter Speed and ISO are a second language.
4. Wait until the weather gets better and set up a few sessions. I have a couple of friends who have already expressed interest so now I need to follow through.
5. Overcome my nerves and concerns about not being good enough.

So there you have it. Of course I need to make time for all of this as well, but Kei is very supportive. In fact he has grander designs for our little business but we need to start small.

Now it’s in writing and I would look pretty silly if I didn’t at least try to make this happen…Right?

Wish me luck