I'm relatively new to photography and I do it as a hobby. 3 years into the hobby, 1 year with rangefinders.
Is it taking over a large portion of your life?
Yes. There are good things about this and bad things. The good thing are that it is an escape for me, I'm more physically active as I tend to walk more to take photographs, and I'm rediscovering art. I had a real love and some talent for drawing, painting and music when I was young but as an immigrant's son trying to do good, I gave up those artsy things and concentrated on academics (i.e. English, Science, Math...) and worked to save money for university. I also really find the history of photography and photographic equipment quite fascinating - its a great study.
The bad things - primarily GAS. It is also taking time away from my other passion - automobiles. As for GAS - I got it really bad and I'm starting to get a bit concerned. 3 years ago, I started out with the typical entry level DSLR with wide-normal zoom and a telephoto zoom. I used it for 2 years and I never felt like I needed to upgrade or get anything more than I had. Then, it got stolen. At that time, I loved visiting galleries and studying the works of great photographers. However, I didn't like taking photographs that much. I really wanted to like taking photographs but I didn't because I hated the camera. I turned to rangefinders and that changed. Everything just clicked. A year ago this month I made my first post on RFF requesting suggestions for my first RF body and a 3-lens kit to take to on my upcoming trip to Portugal. I went for a Bessa-T with the CV 21/4, 35/1,7, and 75/2,5. I thought that I would then be "done" for a long time. Well here's the situation now: 4 rangefinder bodies, 1 mechanical SLR, a pinhole camera, 15 lenses plus a ton of accessories. I'm feeling that its too much, too quickly but I take comfort in that I use all my equipment. Right now, I'm just really enthusiastic and I want to learn all I can and try everything possible. Perhaps with time, I'll naturally start gravitating to using just one camera and a small set of lenses. I also spent lots of money on photography books - art books and instructional books.
How do you balance between social life and this hobby?
Photography has enhanced my social life somewhat. Rangefinders are great conversation pieces. Some co-workers that I previously regarded just as colleagues have become good friends once we found a common interest in photography. Sometimes I wouldn't feel like meeting with friends prefering a quiet night at home but now that get-togethers and social events present an opportunity to do some photography, I'm find that I look forward to them more.
Yes. I don't have much free time and like I said, photography cuts into my other passion - automobiles. I still attend car shows and other events like I did before - and now armed with a camera. However, it cuts into my time as a moderator on the FordEurope.net forum and also on the time I have to write articles for my motorsport column in "The Universal Car", a newsletter for Ford history buffs. Gear purchases have also cut into my "car funds".
Is this a minor hobby for you?
It was supposed to be but it ballooned into something serious. I know that my photography will never be anywhere close to that of those I admire. Right now, I'm focused on learning as much as I can and practising as much as possible. I make sure that I also enjoy myself as much as possible. For me, the process of photography is currently more important than the final product. Right now, my final products aren't very good. I think that's the reason why I'm really into the gear. The more I enjoy the process the more photographs I will take and hopefully that will translate into becoming a better photographer over time.
Do you sometimes have thoughts about the role of photography in your life?
Yes. I'm grateful, truly grateful for discovering a passion for photography. I think about that all the time.
Are you content with whatever you decided to do? Do you have plans to alter things in your life to accomodate photography or vice versa?
Content, yes.
I have altered things to accomodate photography. Prolonged a few plans for the house and my cars due to financing the gear. I also plan on travelling more.
