Walking by faith isn’t always easy. It’s a combination of trusting that you’ll be provided for, and being thankful for the blessings you’ve received, even when you yearn for more.
Last summer provided a window of opportunity when I could upgrade my camera, something that I couldn’t do either before or now. I chose a dream of a camera—the Nikon D700—based on the full-frame body and high ISO/low noise capabilities. The sacrifice: my two most functional lenses, the 18-55mm kit lens and 18-200mm VR, would no longer work (they’re not designed for the full-frame body).
Since August 2009, I’ve been shooting primarily with a 50mm f/1.8, a $125 lens. Outdoors, I also have a 70-300mm f/4-5.6, a $135 lens. My BlissDom shots were shot 100% with the 50mm. Other lenses just aren’t in the budget in the foreseeable future.
It would be crazy to feel sorry for myself. My camera is amazing. So I’ve learned to shoot with what I’ve got.
Right away I realized that my angle at BlissDom wouldn’t be the speakers (unless I wanted to climb up on stage with them, which is generally frowned upon), but rather the human interest stories, the audience.
And of course, the babies.
My shots of George Duran on stage were tiny, but I was able to head to lunch early and get shots before everyone arrived, and then later when he was there and I could get closer.
Do you really complain about having to get closer to Harry Connick, Jr.? I don’t.
iHeartFaces ran a contest with a grand prize Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 lens; BlissDom attendees could submit a second photo to the “Girlfriends” challenge Flickr pool. There were lots of prayers going up: Please Lord, if someone else needs that lens more, then give it to them, but if not, I’d surely appreciate it.
As it turns out, one of my photos was selected for the Top 10, however, someone else won in the random drawing. I won’t lie, tears gathered even before seeing the winner announced. I just had so much invested emotionally.
This is an area where I struggle, but I just have to live by faith; more equipment will come someday. In the meantime I’ll continue to do the best I can, shooting with what I’ve got.
Do you have an area where you struggle with contentment?
Take my poll?
[poll id=”3″]
More BlissDom:
Dawn,
I would have NEVER guessed you didn’t have the BEST lens. Your pictures are WONDERFUL. You always capture people in a very real way. I love it!
Count your blessings…my camera died and I have NO camera right now. :<(
I do though have faith that in the future I will get a wonderful new one.
I just love this post. I love the conviction of contentment and the photos…. how rather than taking pictures that wouldn’t turn out well bc u were too far away ~ you took GREAT pics of that which was around you. So awesome….
Yes! I can totally relate on the photography equipment, Dawn. It’s hard. I find myself fighting discontentment while looking at others photos or all their gear.
You take beautiful shots. You truly do! Just continue to hone your skill using what you’ve got and God will drop something wonderful in your lap when you least expect it.
.-= Ruthanne´s last blog ..My {Slacker} Blissdom Recap =-.
I think you take AMAZING pictures, Dawn! Not due to some fancy lens, but because you are very talented.
I too need to work with what I have… in many areas of my life.
Hey, I could’ve clicked almost all the boxes on your poll. I ended up putting down blogging friend but I am very thankful and blessed to call you a real life friend too. Even if we live far away from each other. 🙂
.-= Marsha´s last blog ..My first Photowalk =-.
Dawn, you are a gorgeous photographer with beautiful images. The lenses don’t really matter. What really matters is you, the photographer, and your perspective on life through your camera. You rock your camera like a rock star!
.-= Hannah Braboy´s last blog ..Photography Basics: ISO =-.
Hi, I somehow stumbled upon your website…maybe from looking for a certain lens on google..LOL..anyways, I so appreciate your sentiments here in this post. I only have a Rebel XT, with the kit lens and 50mm 1.8. We are one income, three kid household, and I personally don’t want to do too much photography for others at the moment….however, I need a zoom which my DH so kindly is letting me get soon. So, what you are saying is such a wonderful and timely. My heart’s desire is too fully be immersed in a photography business rather than the dabbling I do now (for time and energy that I have, or lack..) and have a better camera with wonderful lenses. ;0 It’s so hard to wait sometimes, but to concentrate on what you have is the key…and what God wants us to delight in. So sorry for rambling, I just wanted you to know how your post helped me. Blessings…