"Why Did You Get Into Photography?"
At age 9, I received my first 110 mm film Barbie camera and quickly became known as the girl who took "too many pictures." I was instantly hooked and saved all of my allowance to buy and process film. I guess you could say that photography picked me. Over time, I upgraded to my trusty Polaroid, then a flip phone camera, and now I use my Canon mirrorless camera. One thing hasn't changed: I'm still the girl who takes too many photos.
Reflecting on that today, I think I was born to be a photographer. Even at a young age, I understood that life is fragile, tomorrow isn't promised, and photographs are all we have left when our loved ones are gone.
You're curious why I titled this blog post-Hot Dog Kisses, right? Well, today is my Pappy's birthday. He passed away when I was young, so I never got to know him as well as I would have liked. I remember that he would have the biggest grin every time he saw me, and we would play "HOT DOG!" It seems silly now, but we'd kiss each other and shout, "Hot dog!" and whoever shouted it first "won." I have no idea why or how it began, but he always let me win.
This leads me to the main focus of my blog today: there is no such thing as having "too many photos." I have very few pictures of my Pappy and me together, and I wish I had more. So, when people refer to me as the girl who takes too many photos, I embrace that label with pride. One day, someone will appreciate that I did. They will treasure the photo I captured just as I cherish the one above. Take the photos. Be in the pictures. Capture too many moments. You will never regret it, I promise.
Happy Birthday, Pappy. I hope there's a beer for you in heaven and a hot dog kiss!
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