For me, photography is a precious, sentimental hobby with its origins in a love story. It allows me to delight in the moments of my life and savor them over time.
When I was in high school, I envied friends who were taking photography classes. Their images were so artfully composed and memorable. My boyfriend (who later became my husband) bought me a Canon AE1 for Christmas after we’d been dating a year. My mother wasn’t sure it would be wise for me to accept such an expensive gift at the tender age of 17, but I was absolutely sure this was the perfect gift, and the perfect giver. I really enjoyed taking pictures of my loved ones and the memories we’d made, and kept them close to me when I moved away to college.
When Jim and I married and had our four ridiculously photogenic children, I was the one taking pictures and chronicling our family’s growth and adventures with the very camera he’d bought me that Christmas.
Two years after my 47-year old husband died and our children had left the nest, the mechanism on my Canon that advanced the film jammed. I decided that for my 50th birthday, I would buy a digital camera…another Canon.
At this point, I fell in love with photographing a new subject – Nature. My new and current groove is all about what is out-of-doors.
Of course, I’m still the family photographer and thrill at the opportunity to capture special moments with my favorite humans.
In two weeks, I will be celebrating my 60th birthday. I think I deserve another milestone present in my photography story. I’m thinking that I will either get an 18-300mm lens for my Canon, or a small, tough, travel camera like the Olympus I borrowed and took backpacking last month.
scillagrace 
Oh Priscilla, I just love your family images. What lovely memories, and I’m so sorry you lost Jim so early. I’m sure your 18 – 300 mm lens will help you create more outdoors memories. I look forward to your sharing those images.
Thanks, Anne – I will be looking into making that purchase soon!
WOW! Outstanding post. Heartwarming and beautiful. 👏👏👏👏
Thanks, John!
Such a tender story, well told in photos and words. You absolutely deserve to get yourself the camera upgrades that will keep you devoted to photography and nature!
Thanks, Lindy! Happy Birthday to me… 🙂
That’s a beautiful story Priscilla and I loved looking at all of your photos. So sorry to hear you lost your husband so young, sounds like he understood you so well. Will be catching up with all your posts from now on
Alison 🙂
Thanks so much for your kind words, Alison. I hope you enjoy your visits to my site!
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A sad and beautiful story, Priscilla. You are a wonderful woman who lost a wonderful man. Your lovely family will live on – and I hope you will have a Happy Birthday!
Thank you, Ann-Christine! 🙂
We’ve been on a similar path Priscilla. I too started as the family photographer/ historian and the older we all get the more important those images become, don’t you think? From there like you I began to focus on the beauty of nature. I always enjoy your posts which often combine the two as well as including interesting commentary. I remember reading about your husband and of course your move. Kudos to you for making the best of truly challenging times and for your positive spirit.
Thanks, Tina. I’m truly glad it’s so easy to make and keep images and enjoy them at the touch of a button. Remember slide shows with the big screen? That was how my Dad shared his photos.
LOL of course! And those monstrous movie camera lights too
Priscilla – what a beautiful photo groove story !
You have us such a personal touch as we learned about your photographer’s journey
Love the timeline shared here in photos too!
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I’m glad you enjoyed it!
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Family photos are such a wonderful groove to fall into, a pleasure for everyone. Your landscapes are also lovely, like that church in fall with the great sunlight
Thanks, someone saw that photo of the church on my blog and requested to use it for a memorial service bulletin. It’s a place called Holy Hill on the Ice Age National Scenic trail in Wisconsin.
I am sorry to learn about your husband.
And the family photos are touching.
Thank you my friend for showing us your photography niche.
My pleasure! Thanks for visiting!
You are welcome my friend
Priscilla
Did you grow up in River Forest? You and I were friends. Please call or text me to reconnect. I’ve thought about you regularly over these past 55 years or so.
Peace,
Denise Ross
708-217-9814
Yes, Denise, I am your Girl Scout friend from River Forest! How wonderful to get this message on the day that I am returning from a Singing Camp with my older sisters. I’m still an outdoor girl. 🙂