Having recently lent my camera to my friend whilst we were on holiday, I have learnt a little more about camera’s and photography through my dear friend of 30 years who is recovering from breast cancer and is an inspiration with her cheerful outlook to life. I lent her my Panasonic Lumix G5K, set it on iA (automatic) for her showed her how to focus in on a subject and away she went. David Bailey eat your heart out! Not only did she take good photographs, her photographs were well thought out. Her home life is not pleasant, so it was such a delight to see her come alive with enthusiasm. She said she did not know she loved photography until she was given the opportunity. As I talked to her about camera the bits I found I knew and realised that I am slowly learning more and more even it is taking a long time.
Every time I turned round Sheila was bending over or on her knees photographing some flower on the side of a road.
Having realised that she can no longer work at her three cleaning jobs anymore she has been looking for some purpose for herself. This is a woman who gives all of herself to others, feeling that she herself should take second place…it breaks my heart when I think of how miserable her life is at home.
On holiday she bravely left off her hat unless the wind was cold! “Nobody knows me here” she said “so they won’t laugh at me“. “They laugh at you because you have had cancer?” I asked her, and she gave me a look that understood what I was saying.
When we got home, I set about printing out her photos for her. She does not have a computer and is not technological in any way. At present she says she would never learn how to use one…we will see 😉 Whilst we were away I ordered paper and inks ready and set about printing the 600 plus photos she had taken!! When we viewing on my laptop she would say “I want that blurred one, because I took it as we were driving in the car“. It has taken several days and I finally finished having got through two and a half packs of inks.
We will take them to her next week, (sadly we live too far apart to just ‘pop round’ with them) and I can’t wait to give them to her.
Handbagwarrior; verbal ramblings 
You taught her photography well…and she’s a natural. Beautiful pic of the flower and bee.
LikeLike