THE CAMERA TIMELINE
Circa 1985
Mom buys my first camera
I was four years old and standing in the checkout with my mother when I spotted a keychain camera priced at 25¢. She was reluctant to buy the new toy. Mom explained to me that the camera was not expensive but buying the film and having it developed would be too much money. After some begging, she conceded under the condition that I take only 1 photo a day. For some adults, this is a struggle to capture 1 image per day, almost like exercise. For a five-year-old with no restraint, the opposite holds true; and mom knew this. Without the imposed limitations, I could have blown through the entire reel in a matter of seconds. Nearly two decades later, I developed the first roll.
Circa 1989
Santa buys my second camera
My family was living in Pensacola at this point. In my stocking Christmas morning; I find a purple, L.A. Brites Vivitar 35mm camera, batteries, film, and all. This is one of those cameras where you could hear the flash fire up while you wait for the green light to give you the go.
Circa 1999
My FIRST, formal photography class
The syllabus calls for a manual 35mm camera. No automatic controls allowed for this course. My mother and I visit Pensacola Photo Supply to purchase a Nikon. With this camera, I complete my coursework; enter my work in the Pensacola Interstate Fair; photograph a wedding; photograph a model's portfolio; learn to use an enlarger; develop my own negatives and prints; and continue on to college courses.
Circa 2007
My first digital camera...EVER
The Canon Digital Rebel xTi - I still use this baby today. I have taken this camera everywhere with me and will continue to do so. The people who must purchase the latest and greatest of any item usually scoff when I tell them what kind of camera I use. As far as my Canon goes; I say, "for as long as we both shall live."
