Why I am depressed...!

[TNH]

You wanna know why I'm feeling a little depressed? I'll tell you why.

I have a serious case of camera envy!!
The other night I went to a volleyball game in town. This man sitting beside me had a Nikon DSLR and was taking pictures with it... and this is what I had:


A useless little point and shoot camera that can't take decent pictures anywhere indoors! I am SO tired of that silly little camera!! I've tried for a long time to just use it anyway, believing that old phrase, "It's not the camera, it's the photographer." Well, if I learned as much as I can about aperture priority, shutter speed, using different lenses, and etc., what good would it do me if my camera can't do any of that??!
Seriously, all I can do is change the ISO, exposure, and... scene modes. If I AM going to be a pro someday, (like I want to be!) then I have to get a camera that I can actually work and learn with.
So... I've picked out the camera I want. The Nikon D3100. I've thought about it for months, and that's the one that I've finally decided on.

There's only one problem... I don't have the money. Not near enough. I'll have to save for months, maybe even a couple years to get it. I don't know if I can wait that long!!!
I don't have a job, since I'm only (almost) 15. I get about 20 in allowance every month. I have a $50 bill left from my Christmas money. But that's not fast enough for me... so, my mom gave me a job cleaning the basement. I don't know how much she will pay me, but I hope it's worth it. I've swept up countless bugs, dirt, and stuff.

Anyway. I decided that I needed to find a way to make even more money... and this was my only idea.

Yep. I'm collecting people's change. And in truth, most of that is my own change that I found in my wallet! (No wonder my purse was getting so heavy, Lol!)
It has been pretty worthwhile I guess, because there is now $20.85 in there.

With the money from the jar, plus my $50... that is only $70.85. That means I have $524.14 left to go, if I buy it for $599.99. (I found it for that price somewhere.)

And that, my friends, is why I am depressed. I'm never going to get that camera... anytime soon, anyhow.

[Ambrosia76]

You are almost 15, perhaps you can get some odd jobs with neighbors doing yard work, babysitting, house cleaning etc. Can't Never Could!

[mshockley]

I can feel your pain, and if it helps at all, don't feel like your age is why you need money. You will have to make tough decisions your entire life---well most likely anyway, even if you end up filthy rich---about where you will spend your money, so that part will not change much.

I only hope you can hang in there and not get discouraged while you try and earn what you need for that camera!

In the meantime, I would maybe just focus your photography within the abilities of your camera for now. It sounds like you are certainly ready to take more control, but I'm just thinking in the meantime maybe focus on great lighting techniques and composition while using the camera you have. Maybe set up some still life scenes and work on something like that?

Good luck!!! I hope you can buy your camera sooner than you predict!

[Hill Country Hack]

You have a worthy goal in mind. The question is how badly do you want the camera? My experience is 14 (almost 15) year old young ladies can be a bit fickle.

If you are serious, there is much you can do to reach your goal. The old stand by of babysitting (if anyone still hires them). Can you take your broom and mop out about the neighborhood and offer cleaning services? Be the first out after any snow to shovel walks and driveways. Can/would your dad help you pick aluminum cans? Be creative, use your brain. When you earn it it will be that much sweeter.

[Bruce A]

Originally Posted by Ambrosia76

You are almost 15, perhaps you can get some odd jobs with neighbors doing yard work, babysitting, house cleaning etc. Can't Never Could!

Yep, if you want something bad enough you can get it - legally!
Listen to Ambrosia76 - that's good advice.

[Niresangwa]

pretty sure you can find a used kit for less than that.

[IABoomer]

$270 is a heck of a lot easier to swing than $600. You'd be surprised how well the older cameras still work. I've used a friend's D40 before I bought my D5000.

Used Nikon D40 SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-55mm Lens 25420

Don't get upset by what your camera doesn't do well. Embrace what it does do well. Learn to work within the limitations of the gear. It will make you a stronger shooter when you do get more flexibility.

[faeriegodess612]

You could also check craigslist or pawn shops etc for a used camera. Odd jobs is a good idea. Bake a bunch of goodies and sell them at church or something. ( I think I saw somewhere that your family is Christian. ) Cookie and brownie mix dont cost that much. Cake mix doesnt either, and you could do cupcakes. Or any number of yummy recipes that you can find online or maybe even in your mother or grandmothers recipe box. You could sell bottles of water with them for $1.00 each. A 24 pack only costs $3-4. Have your parents sell the goodies at work for you?

[metallion58]

Originally Posted by faeriegodess612

Bake a bunch of goodies and sell them at church or something.Cookie and brownie mix dont cost that much. Cake mix doesnt either, and you could do cupcakes. Or any number of yummy recipes that you can find online or maybe even in your mother or grandmothers recipe box. You could sell bottles of water with them for $1.00 each. A 24 pack only costs $3-4. Have your parents sell the goodies at work for you?

+1 to that...and think of me if you decide to make delivery.

[Officer196]

Well I'm not sure where exactly your from but when I hit 15 I started working at six flags and then eventually worked as a bagger at Winn Dixie. I know it can be frustrating but there are some jobs out there when you turn 15