My Christmas List

Money is tight so I know I won't be getting a gift this Christmas... but I can share with you my Christmas list right? No harm in that! ;) Maybe it can turn into a checklist of "wants" for 2009.

1. Canon EOS 50d 15.1 Megapixel Digital SLR

Isn't this a sweet little thing! I drool everytime I see it at Best Buy. I walk by it

a little, hold it in my hand, and wish and hope that someday it could be mine. I'll take a 40d as well but if I am gonna make a purchase like that ever, I might as well go for the whole thing!

2. Camera Strap

A few of my photographer buddies have told me about My Funky Camera but most have also bought camera straps from Debra R. who sells through her blog. I've heard nothing but rave reviews and they say that her accessories are far more comfortable than other companies, and they're custom made!

3. Camera Bag

Can't have an adorable strap without a cute bag too! I really love fun custom colors like this one from Etsy. There are fun lens pouches that would also match perfectly. How fun!

4. Laptop Bag for my Macbook

Again another Etsy find... I am addicted to that site. It's the coolest! This bag is as big as the plain one I have now but way more fun. And it has better pocket space inside then the one I have. Granted, I may have to purchase a sleeve (the one I have has one built in). But she also makes sleeves! Yay!

5. External Hard Drive - I have one but another one for backup wouldn't hurt. And then a third for storing client's pictures. They have many good uses. Doesn't hurt to have a few. The link is for a Terabyte... but they also have a 500 GB for $78.58... not bad!

6. Sewing Machine - I've taken up an interest in learning how to sew... right now I am borrow my aunt's sewing machine... but maybe if I get my own... I won't be afraid to use it more.

7. Britney Tickets - Don't laugh... this is a real want. Her tickets went on sale last Saturday. I don't care what anyone says I have always liked her. So there. And I have some secret wish that her and Justin would get back together and sing happily ever after. I can dream right? Tickets are expensive though!

But the thing I want the most is to go to school for photography. I want it more than I've ever wanted anything in my whole life... except maybe number one on my list... it's a tie.

I found a good technical school with a very intensive 4 month diploma program. It's in Phoenix and most good photography schools are not local. We went and had a tour. We sat down with people and they talked about the opportunities there. They met my family and encouraged the fact that they would work with me on a schedule to meet my needs. And being that it is not a degree program, but a diploma program, sparked my interest even more. I have 3 kids, and it's not easy to find babysitters. So even though I would be extremely busy for 4 whole months, especially weekends, it's better than 3 years at a regular technical school. Not only that, I am a FAST learner and I think 3 years at another school would drag on for me, I'd get bored if it's not up to my pace. At this school they work at my pace... they gave me a course outline and it definitely everything I want to learn. Up until this point I am a self-taught photographer. I have also taught myself photoshop and programs like that. What I need is someone to teach me the basics of what a camera can actually do, what the settings mean, and still give me a bit more knowledge on the digital editing front. That's exactly what's on their outline. After the 4 months, they still let you work in their studios (which were heaven to me btw), use their equipment, schedule shoots, work with models, help build personal website and give classes on how to run a business, for up to one year free of charge. They help with job placement for the full year as well. I met some of the students there and got a chance to see them in class. (Class sizes are no more than 4-5 people which is awesome) And I got to talk to them and get their feelings on the program. Of course nothing but great things were said. And I talked to a girl that had already graduated and had a job at a local newspaper. I left there feeling so excited.

But all dreams in my world must fade. Since it is a technical school they do not provide nor accept any financial aid. The tuition is $6,000 and the only thing they offer is a financing plan through a loan (same loan my sister has through her school). But it's a credit based loan. It's all they offer. And our credit is extremely destroyed. We'll I've never had credit... but Jr's is very very bad. And we have no one to co-sign for me. So it's either fix out credit (which can take years) or pay the $6,000. And where do you suppose I get that kind of money?

So if Santa could magically fix my credit, get me a job, and fix the economy, I would be the happiest girl on Earth. But for now... I am sad. But my goal for 2009 is to figure out how to go to school and do what I love to do. Until then I have just been reading and researching everything I can on photography. And everyday I am learning something new.