230. Crush

A student asked me an interesting question this week… “How did you become interested in photography?” My response is simple. But as a 40 plus year old women it is somewhat embarrassing --- it was a crush. As a young impressionable teenager I quickly feel in love with a boy who introduced me to the darkroom. Watching an image develop in the tray was pure magic and I was hooked. As a fickle teen I quickly dropped him and turned my affections to photography. That was 25 years ago.

Until the darkroom experience… I always thought I would be a veterinarian or a musician. I loved all animals – at least those that were warm blooded and had fur. In between collecting strays I studied several musical instruments – the piano, cello, flute, guitar, and bass. Honestly the love of photography hit hard and fast -  a blindside. Within a year my goals and dreams changed so dramatically and I was headed to art school… my parents miffed.

Last night I filled out a questionnaire about my daughter, Katie. I listed her special talents and interests, “animals and music.” It sounded so familiar. Later in the evening Katie and I had a quiet talk. She expressed the desire to own a pet store after receiving a degree to practice veterinary medicine. She asked me to help her fit music into her vision. I couldn’t help but flash back to my own dreams as a ten year old. Yes mine too included music and animals but that boy changed everything.