In high school my brother had a 2.0 megapixel Canon camera that became more or less mine - it had an optical viewfinder and different "scene" modes. The camera grip housed 4 AA batteries. Eventually the sensor crapped out and then I bought my very own camera after much research, a Panasonix Lumix FZ20 which cost me more than I probably should have spent.
In theory it should have been a huge upgrade. In reality I hated it - the digital viewfinder was awful, I found the interface clunky. I later travelled with a super-compact Sony but never got back to documenting my every day life like I once did with the old Canon.
Fast forward many years into my working career and suddenly I'm surrounded by friends with multiple cameras and a husband who works in the film industry. After a recommendation for the things I think I want - under $1000, a viewfinder, and a body that can support interchangeable lenses - I'm meeting someone off Kijiji to buy a Fujifilm XT-20 with the 18-55mm kit lens.
Forward a few years more and I've somehow amassed a collection of lenses mostly bought used from an uncommonly nice community of photography enthusiasts.
The curiosity I experienced through that old Canon is back, it's nice to go out with nothing in mind and a camera in hand. To suddenly notice interesting detail in a neighbourhood I've lived in for years, to document a trip in time, or to capture some interesting bit of light and weather.
I'm never going to be a professional photographer, but it's both a hobby and an exercise like conscious breathing. Immediately, things you take for granted seem a lot more alive.
A few random photos are here, but I've been keeping a photo blog since getting the XT-20 with sporadic updates; a record of bits and pieces. ikphoto.tumblr.com
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