This vs. That

Okay so my I am about to file my taxes and I REALLY want to use the return for getting my love for photography off the ground which could then be a potential source of income. Aka pay off those ridiculous student loans.

vs.

Or, I could use the return and begin the process of paying off the loans.

The decision:  I would rather take the risk and see the purchasing of equipment as an investment to future income. Once I give that money to pay off loans I see it as potential money that could have been made with a small down payment that just slipped out of my minds because I wanted to take the 'safe' route.

Oh father...how you have influenced my financial ways of thinking...

Penny for Your Thoughts-Photo Editing Edition

I need some thoughts, please please please comment with your personal preferences/thoughts! :)

Which photo editing program do you use?
Why is it the best, or why is it the one you chose?
If you could use a different one, would you? Which one?

I am sure I have other questions, but lets start with this!!
Thanks in advance for your thoughts & suggestions :)

Over Thinking Photography

I've been analyzing photography for a long while coming now. I've come to realize a few things...their photography company is typically their name. This makes me wonder if it is because they are lacking originality or if in fact they want it linked to their name because it comes off more personal, in a way. I still find it lacking umph, meat, originality, or uniqueness if you will.

Also, most photographers have really awesome back drops for photos. The textures in the background make the picture. Either that, or the photo editing that took place to emphasize various things in the photo. If the person has awesome eyes then typically the photo is edited so as to emphasize the color/shape/size/etc.

I've also noticed that photographers have a tendency to find a setting/layering in editing they like and they stick to it.

I came up with some questions when researching....

• Do you get to know the couple/person first so it's easier to determine the shoot location, time of day, editing, etc? I feel like that would be important, so they are uniquely taken for that couple/person.
• Do you bring props or do they?
• Do you choose poses or do they or do they just act natural as you shoot from various angles?

I think I just need to start doing and stop thinking. Sometimes that is the best fix.

and so IT begins

Ever since the first time I held my first disposable camera when I was about a foot and a half shorter I have loved capturing life in a still frame. Something about it just excited me. Something about it drew me in instantly and has yet to loosen its grip of desire.

I love capturing those little moments that would have otherwise gone forgotten. I skim through old photos and that little piece of paper with splashes of color breaths to life that moment all over again. The conversations that were occuring, the scenery, the interactions.

It never grows tiring, I always enjoy it. There is always something to be captured. Always something to be observed. Always something to learn and absorb into my soul.

And so begins my journey. First step, purshasing my first SLR.