What does it feel like, taking photos? The only way I can tell you this is by using Golf* as an analogy.
The start is always like this. You heard people mentioning it, and they're talking in jargons. Then you read about it and its still full of jargons. One day, you saw it on TV and you start to take interest. So, you decide to learn more about it.
Taking the first step is the hardest part. Which equipment to buy? Which club is better? What about accessories? Do you need those specialist load-bearing straps? Would fluorescent ball help you locate your ball faster or is it too amateurish? Or is it safer just to buy a "ready to go" package since you're new at this? Going to the Sports shop is a bit intimidating if you're going there by yourself. And even if your friend did come along, it still boils down to personal taste. Granted you have used his equipment before but when it comes to choosing your own, you call the shots. So, you'd be reading up a lot of stuff, going from shop to shop, asking questions until you are satisfied. (Which only later, when you go out with a group, you have the crappiest equipment or embarassed at choosing the wrong brand)
The second step is when you start out with your own equipment. So, when you have the time, you'd start practising at the driving range. You'd observe other players and try to follow their styles. Then, you'd do home and read more about how to use your equipment. At this stage, you'd feel that it is not necessary to take lessons since it looked so easy. Then, you're back on the driving range again, but this time, testing your own theories and also seeing which moves are better without suffering any physical pain.
After weeks of practising, you are more confident about your abilities and by now, would have found some friends for a game.
So, off you go, the few of you, to the game. There, you share your theories, help each other out and so on. But sometimes, this is never the case. You might realise one or two in the group are not so open, or maybe others have progressed further than you that you feel so stupid and slow.
So, you try and try and try. The first few shots were wonderful. But the more you try, you realised that you have gone from bad to worse (when you compared yourself with others). So, you try more and practised more. Every single second you have, you'd think about Golf. Even when you're in the toilet. And you still suck at it. So, you decided to get a better equipment in the hopes that it will improve your game. You think you are the best out there because of your ultra expensive equipment and you only talk to others whom you think are at the same par as you. Every shot to you now, must be perfect and with that kind of stress to excel, you feel so hopeless. Then, when you saw others play, each with their own style, you try to copy them, only to end up being indecisive and no style of your own.
But all is not lost if you give up your Ego and start all over again. You have to eat humble pie, maybe even take lessons, and look at things from another angle. After all, just look at the big picture: Its just a game/hobby/exercise, etc.
And one day, your frame of mind just stepped up to another level and you start to be more discipline, you recognise your abilities and then the results shows. And then, you start to notice why people take up this game. Some made it as their livelyhood, some as a form of exercise, some as their hobby, some for socialising, some for friendship, some for status or bragging rights and so on.
Anyway, I have progressed from being a Professional Point and Shoot to A Moron with a DSLR.
*[Well, I am not sure if its true or not since I do not know much about Golf either. Ha ha ha]
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