Hello. My name is Gloria. I've had an interest in photography for as long as I can remember. I don't recall how old I was when I got my first camera, but it was a Mickey Mouse camera! I planned to take a photography course when I was in college. It included learning how to develop photos in a darkroom. (That may give you an idea of my age!) I saved the money for a 35mm SLR and the darkroom equipment required for the course and planned to take it in my last year of college. In my senior year, I enrolled in the photography class as planned. Then, my car broke down. I had to take the money I had saved to repair the car. Some years later, shortly after I got married, my husband bought me a Nikon 35mm. I loved it, but I never took it off full auto. I took great pictures over the years, but learned nothing about photography. I dropped the camera about 5 years ago and can't find anyone that will repair it. I'm heartbroken over it now, because my husband (who later became my ex-husband, but remained a good friend) died three years ago.
About a year and a half ago, I decided there was no reason that I couldn't buy myself a camera and go take that photography course now. I bought a Canon Rebel XTi and took a short course and several workshops at a community college. I haven't looked back. I began to purchase lenses and other gear, and just bought a 40 D. I'm having such a wonderful time!
What I hope to get out of participating on this forum is exactly what I've been getting already - encouragement, opportunities to learn and to share, commaraderie, tips and techniques, inspiration, and hope that one day I can actually call myself a photographer. What I hope to contribute is the same.
Thank you, Darren for starting and running this site. Thank you to all of the moderators for your time, your expertise, and your patience with all of us who aspire to create beautiful photos.
I spend more time on this site than any other. I feel as though everyone here is a friend.
It's a pleasure to meet all of you.
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