Three nights ago my husband gave me permission to make a very significant purchase: the camera of my dreams. Don’t get me wrong, my Nikon D80 is a gem and a treasure and sort of like my ninth child. But if I’m going to really do this, this thing outside of my comfort zone—(start a photography business; there, I said it)—I need to upgrade to a professional camera. At least I believe I do, understanding that I place part of my value in the quality of the tools in my camera bag.
The new camera sat in my shopping cart for at least two weeks, but when I actually went to make the purchase, the price had increased. NO! I had another one combined with a new lens in a shopping cart on a different site, and the price of that combo increased some time between Wednesday night and last night. These weren’t insignificant increases, either. Honestly, I was almost in tears.
Finally I located the camera, body only, for the price from my original shopping cart (word to the wise: don’t fall for “too good to be true” prices from dealers that aren’t reputable; check resellerratings.com). The “Proceed to Checkout” button was quickly clicked before that deal could go “poof!” in a cloud of smoke.
The toughest part is lens compatibility. Two of my lenses will work with the new camera, two won’t. Unfortunately, it’s the multi-purpose, versatile lenses that are the problem. Thankfully I have a buyer for my current camera.
At this point something like “nervously excited” or “apprehensively optimistic” is the best way to describe my emotions. My husband made it clear in the kindest possible way that this does not need to be about me taking better pictures of our kids; it’s a business investment. I’m signed up for a two-day Business of Photography class later this month, so that’s a start.
I feel the most peace about this when I focus on the fact that it’s not just about what I can or can’t do, but what HE can do through me.
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. ~ Philippians 4:13
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow! Good for you, Dawn. I don’t know how you do it all, girl. Are you still doing design, too? I’m so proud of you!!
.-= Dianne´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday – Shadow of a Clematis =-.
Oh my word. Jealous much? Yes, I am.
I know you must be thrilled. :)
.-= Amy Bayliss´s last blog ..She finally speaks about She Speaks… =-.
Amen Dawn! It’s not about what we can do, but about what He can do, and for our God, all things are possible when the result glorifies His Name!
Did I miss it, or did you totally forget to TELL US WHAT CAMERA YOU JUST BOUGHT? ;)
.-= Trish´s last blog ..mountains in about a month =-.
Okay, maybe I missed it somewhere but I never saw what camera you chose. I’m curious because I would have thought that Nikon would have sufficed! My poor Canon stopped working a few weeks ago .
.-= Denise´s last blog ..New Tips =-.
Oh. Duh. A Nikon D700. ;-)
Congrats on the upgrade. I, too, hope to upgrade soon.. :)
.-= Secret Agent Mama´s last blog ..Meet Rachel =-.
This is something I’ve also thought about doing someday. I love taking pictures, but the only digital camera I have is a Sony Cybershot. There’s really not much you can do with one of those. I think taking a photography class will definitely give you more confidence about using the new camera. I look forward to seeing the pictures you take with it!
.-= Kim´s last blog ..The Sound Every Mother Lives For =-.
Woohoo!!! Good for you, Dawn! Can’t wait to see the fruits of your labor– or at least some practice shots.
.-= Marsha´s last blog ..Trusting in fear =-.
Jumping up and down for you!! So are you taking the photog class that we learned about? I need to have a chat with you on the phone after you attend it.
So, happy for you!
Dawn, my Ben has a D-80 and I wondered if you were selling those lenses separately from the camera to your new buyer? If you have any D-80 stuff and want to sell it … please let me know.
xoxo,
marlo
WOW WOW WOW That is soooo awesome. Can you come over to play? ;)
I’m hoping I can grow up one day and be like you. :) Right now I’m not in the stage of life to start my own photog business… but one day…
My next purchase will be a MACRO. Then if I can find someone to pay me to take their picture, we’ll go from there. LOL
.-= sprittibee´s last blog ..Happy Bee! =-.
Congrats!! That’s exciting. Keep us posted on your journey:-)
.-= Amy @ Living Locurto´s last blog ..I Heart Faces Silly Face Photo Challenge =-.
Hi Dawn! I was planning on buying a new lens today for my D80 (50mm 1.4 lens YAY!). Since there is a possibility of me upgrading my camera down the road, could you tell me which of your lenses are NOT compatible with your new camera?
.-= Marsha´s last blog ..I <3 Faces – Crazy, Silly, Funny Face! =-.
The Nikon D80 is a very interesting camera – but expensive as well (at least for my budget!).I use the Olympus E410, which is sufficient for my purpose!
.-= Juergen´s last blog ..Kostenloses Girokonto finden? =-.
I dream of owning a really good camera and taking amazing pictures….as a total beginner, what kind of advice can you give me to begin learning all about photography? I am a homeschool mom (since 1997); I graduated one son (he is Jr in Univ), my second son will graduate in December of this year, and my sweet daughter may graduate early (she is 15) – I really would love to learn to take pictures and maybe open a small business (to help my husband pay off our debt).
What do you recommend?
Blessings.
PS> I love your page!