My husband used to have what seemed like the most basic, standard cell phone ever. It was super-simple, easy-to-use, and included only the most basic features. That’s why he loved his phone: because it was simple. It had what he needed and left out all the “junk” that he didn’t care about. But as simple as it was, and as happy as it made him, there was one important feature that it lacked- a camera.
I always bugged him about that missing item. I worried that if he ever got into a car accident, that he might need to take pictures of his car’s damage, or of a license plate, etc. and wouldn’t have a way to do so. To me, a camera phone seemed like much more than just a “cool phone feature,” it seemed like a necessary safety tool. But my husband rejected my advice and insisted that he was just fine without a camera phone. To him, a camera phone meant a complex, hard-to-use phone; a phone that would be a nightmare to navigate with unnecessary photo-taking features that he’d never ever use.
So when my husband came home with a brand new phone, one that included a camera (he won it as a raffle gift- there was no way he would have bought it on his own), I was absolutely ecstatic! It’s funny, because fast-forward a few years later, he is constantly snapping pictures with that phone. I’ve scrolled through his cell to find tons of phone-photos of beautiful sunsets, cool cars, and our dogs sleeping on the couch. Every time we go out, it seems like he’s off somewhere, aiming his phone at something and getting a quick pic. It amuses me that someone so resistant to getting a camera phone could now possibly be a camera phone addict.
I think all of us have had experienced a time where we have been resistant to try something new and were “absolutely sure” that a thing, a hobby, a place, or even a person, “just wasn’t for us.” We all are guilty of making excuses like, “I won’t like that.” “That seems too hard.” Or, “I don’t have time.” We all have resisted something at one time or another that could be a lot of fun, not very difficult, and not too long if we were just a little bit more open-minded to a new adventure!
Even when my mom first introduced me to digital scrapbooking, I turned up my nose and was quick to say no. I thought it “wasn’t my style.” Fast-forward life again, and digital scrapbooking is a hobby I am so passionate about that I started my own business with my mom dedicated to the fabulous world of digital scrapbooking: Digital Scrapbooks and More.com!
So, what has digital scrapbooking taught me? Here are three big lessons learned:
1. I am an artist. I never thought I was good at “girly crafts” like scrapbooking, sewing, etc. so I just figured that arts and crafts just weren’t my strength. But I was happily proved wrong. Digital scrapbooking makes it possible to make adorable, personalized photo books, scrapbooks, gifts, and SO much more, without being a good artist, without needing to have good handwriting, and never needing to take a single painting or photography class. It was nice to find a craft that made it so easy to make my own style of beautiful art so effortlessly!
2. I have skills. I’ve talked about how digital scrapbooking helped my career, and it really has. Knowing how to use Adobe software (Photoshop and Photoshop Elements- which I mostly worked with Elements at my workplace!) made me the go-to person for creative projects and made my job more interesting and personally rewarding. It’s amazing how many other careers could benefit from a little digital scrapbooking training: making flyers, brochures, catalogs, ads, company greeting/business cards, enhancing photos, etc. I have increased my skills and enjoyed the benefits within areas I never expected from learning this fun little craft, and I think other professionals could be surprised how it could help them in the workplace too!
3. I look good. Becoming a digital scrapbooker has taught me how to use the Adobe software, and has also helped me become a passionate photo editor. I think that photo editing tends to have a bad rap in the media, but it’s really a powerfully positive tool if you use it correctly. Just as a professional photographer would use lights for a photo shoot, or a makeup artist would use makeup on a model, you can achieve natural-looking results that make your photos look better with good training. Example: Have you ever shot a photo in a museum and wished that that they allowed you to use your flash? Well, with photo editing you get the “flash back,” with simple, natural tools to lighten the photo. Or have you ever had a massive zit on your face and refused to pose for a picture? Well, there’s no need to be camera-shy, because you can easily remove unsightly blemishes with a click of your mouse! And don’t feel bad about “editing” your photos: If you use make up, there’s no reason why you should be ashamed of “covering up” one measly zit in a photo! Or have you ever taken a picture of something amazing, only to realize later, you wish you could crop something out, or remove a tourist? You can. It’s easy. And now with my digital scrapbooking and photo editing experience, I always feel comfortable in front of the camera knowing that I don’t have to be perfect, or be the best photographer in the world, to take a beautiful, professional-looking photo.
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There’s a million more reasons why digital scrapbooking is a fabulous hobby and might be right for you- no matter what doubts you may have! Try something new this 2010. Learn digital scrapbooking and give it a try, because remember, “What you resist, persists!”
Happy Scrapping,
-Jennifer
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