To PAC or not??

A professional photographer named Nicholas started something called Photographer's Adventure Club, and I was invited to join -- only because I was local and use SmugMug to post pictures, where he does also.  Many of the postings are on FaceBook, and there are a lot of photographers -- much more professional than me!

They post these awesome pictures, and I feel in awe. And unworthy with my lowly little point-and-shoots.  Because photography is their work, at the drop of a hat, or a change in weather, they can hop in a car and breeze out to great places to catch photos of clouds, sunsets, lightning ... you get the picture.  Totally out of my league, and for a while I enjoyed looking at their photos. 

But lately, the more I see of their stuff, the more my own photos seem to ... lack.   Which of course affects my own self esteem and motivation to take photos.  Yes, I always want to learn to get better, and creative feedback is always terrific.   *sigh*   They also do classes and get togethers, most of which have a fee attached.  While I would love to learn more, I don't have $50 for an evening of lessons. :(

But... to make a long story short, today the "secretary" of the club posted about this week's theme, and how they didn't want "point and shoot" quality being posted.  Well ya know what, PAC?  I opted out, and left the group.  Why?  Because its hard enough to enjoy photography without trying to 'compete' with professionals. 

The goals of PAC don't fit within my own experiences or talents. 
I'll never sell a picture, or do a wedding. 
Photography is my hobby, its something I do for pleasure.
I'll take a thousand of my "point and shoots" that make me smile
over one of your professional shots any day. 
Why? 
Because they have heart, and they're real.
And because I took time to create something of my own.