When I was fourteen years old, I remember discussing careers with my mother and telling her that one day I wanted to be a photographer. Being the practical woman that she was, she quickly responded that photography was a hobby, not a career, and suggested that I save my money to buy a camera. Ever mindful of her role in nurturing my talents, she bought me my first camera, a Pentax K-1000, for my high school graduation. Thirty years later, with the exception of just a handful of classes, I have never formally studied photography, but I love it just the same. I am now an elementary school teacher and enjoy the time that summers and unexpected snow days afford me to devote to other pleasures like photography.
