A tough decision...

[Kirsten]

Well, as many of you probably know, I love photography. :o More than two years ago, I got my first DSLR, a Canon EOS 450D (Canon Rebel XSi in the US, as far as I know). I love that camera, but recently I found out that the sensor is extremely dirty. Of course it could be cleaned, but you have to send it in for that, and from what I've read, it's expensive. At this point, I have taken about 40,000 pictures with my camera, which is a lot, and it has some others issues as well - nothing that cannot be "fixed" by re-booting the system, but still... I cannot deny my camera has probably seen better days... And I seriously doubt it's still worth the costs for the cleaning.

A good friend of mine has now offered to get me a new camera. She knows I'm living in poverty (I'm on disability pension meanwhile, and life has become really hard), and she also knows that photography is essential for me. She has recently inherited some money, and she said she would gladly help me out... Now I'm really not sure what to do. A part of me would feel bad to accept such an offer, but another part of me would love to have the EOS 550 (Rebel T2i in the US). It would be nice and exciting to have something new, and it would be fun to explore the new cam. But than there is that part of me that thinks I don't deserve that. I mean, I'll probably never be in the position to pay that money back to her (not that she wants me to, but I would feel better if I could). My situation is so miserable, healthwise and financially, and I'm just not a valuable part of society without being able to work, and without being linked to other persons, and without a family... So I really shouldn't think of me as a person who deserves such a camera. Don't know if you know what I mean, it's hard to put this in words..

Anyway, I just don't know what to do... :rolleyes:

[caseysmom]

Accept her help, it will do her heart good and it will help you too.

[Karen]

Kirsten, you have been her friend for many years, right? Let her do this for you, sometimes it is hard to accept a gift, but accepting is a blessing to the giver! And using a camera, you bring beauty to the world, by photographing things others might even just walk past. In this way, you will be paying her back. You are SOOOO worthy of a gift, and she is wanting to give you one. You may feel undeserving - just ignore that, and accept gratefully with as much joy as you can muster.

You would help a friend in need, I know that. So let a friend help you!

[Kirsten]

Karen and caseysmom; your words almost brought tears to my eyes... :o Yes, she's my friend for many years (since we were 13 years old), and even though she lives far apart meanwhile, we're talking on the phone almost every day. And she knows what it means to me, taking pics and everything...

[Freckles]

I agree with what Mayor Karen said.

[Karen]

And don't forget how much your pictures mean to all of us! If you don't accept this gift, I'll tell mentally Lily and Luna to pounce on your toes when you least expect it ....

(How's that for a threat ...)

[pomtzu]

Absolutely, Kirsten, let your friend give you this gift, and you in return will give so much of yourself and your talent to others in return. I don't believe you realize just how much joy you bring to people thru your photography, and how much therapy it is to you also. I would hate to see an end to your photographs being posted here, as I so look forward to seeing your work, and I know that many others feel the same.

[Shady]

Kirsten, in your post you said you didn't think you deserved this gift. A friend thinks you do, that's extremely clear by her offer...and I would bet my bottom dollar that you might hurt her feelings if you decline, plus in light of your present camera situation, and your very obvious talent for photography, it would be a great shame if you couldn't perform, share etc.

Couldn't you find a way with your talent to show your appreciation somehow through your photography?

IMO, accept graciously, and use your talent as your friend intends you to, you have much too much not to use, plus you need it in your life...perhaps also you might find you could somehow supplement your income with it in the future!

[moosmom]

Kirsten,

I've seen your work and it is DYNAMIC!!!! If your longtime friend offered the help, you should take it. Who SAYS you don't deserve it??? If anyone deserves it, it's you!!!

I always believe in paying it forwards. I know how much your photography means to you. Please let her help.

[finn's mom]

Giving a gift is one of the greatest blessings in life. Let her give this gift to you.

[cassiesmom]

I counted 16 favs on your last week of photos on the 365 project (at least two of which are mine :D) For a year that is 832 favs, 832 people who enjoyed a picture of yours so much that they faved it, not to mention the numbers of people who viewed and didn't fav. That's 832 people who were blessed by something you did -- and that includes ME!!

So I agree with everyone! Accept, accept and use your talent -- I agree with Moosmom: "If anyone deserves it, it's you!" And with Pomtzu, I would hate to see an end to your photography because your camera has reached the end of its life.

[dukedogsmom]

Its called a gift for a reason. Don't deny her that happiness. She wouldn't have offered if she didn't want to do it. And she knows how much joy you get from photography. You're worth every bit of that new camera and more. I know you've been having life really tough and I think this would be a big boost for you.

[Catty1]

Learn to be a gracious receiver. :) Perhaps in the future you can send her a special photo as a gift!

Is there a per rescue near you? Perhaps you could offer to do pet photos as a fund-raiser at one of their events! In today's society, it is easy to think that only money matters - but giving of our talents is worth so much more!

As Tolstoy said, "The world will be saved by beauty.":):love:

[Asiel]

I have to agree with everyone else Kirsten. If your friend didn't think you were worthy of such a gift she would have never offered. Time to put those harsh feelings about yourself aside and accept her gift graciously. Just think of the happiness your friend will feel knowing she was able to offer such a gift. Giving is as rewarding as receiving. You could always take some great shot of something you know she'll love to show your appreciation - although I'm sure she has many of your famous photos as it is.

[dab_20]

Kirsten, I also agree with accepting this gift from your friend. You are most certainly deserving if your friend is offering this to you. You are a great photographer, and being a fellow photographer myself, I love your work! Maybe you could do a special photograph to give to her?

[lolli94]

Definitely accept it. Does your friend have special pets? You could surprise her with photos of them. I plan to do that for my boss who doesn't take pictures and has only one pic of a cat she recently lost. I plan to make sure that doesn't happen with her current cat, Stewie. And please don't think you don't deserve it. Friends delight in giving gifts to friends.

[robinh]

I have to say I definitely agree with what everyone has said.

Not sure I'm wording this right, but your friend is offering this gift out of love for you. I know it's hard to accept such thing, but I wonder if your friend is not a "sister from another mother". I have several girlfriends that we refer to one another as sisters and I know they would not hesitate to do the same. Her offering also says something about you...you are worthy of a friend who would offer this kind of gift to feed your soul.

[Scooter's Mom]

Kirsten, I completely agree with everyone else. You are so deserving of this and so much more. Please accept the gift your friend is giving to you, and return the gift to everyone else with the beautiful photos that you share.

[caseysmom]

Kirsten, you also may hurt your friends feelings if you don't accept this gift, she obviosly wants to do this.

[Randi]

I can understand how you feel, but you know her best. I think you should accept it. Perhaps you can do something to help her at another time. Or take some fantastic photos of her and her family. I'm sure she'd love that. :)

[sasvermont]

My vote: Accept the camera as a gift from a dear friend. Money is just that....money. I, too, would share an inheritance with friends in need. Your camera seems to be your one form of happiness and entertainment. Your friend seems to be as kind as any one person could be. Enjoy her friendship and accept the gift. Not everyone is lucky enough to have such a friend.

And of course, let us see your new photos with your new camera!

You are worthy! <------repeat after me.......

[momcat]

Hi Kirsten,
I have to agree with everyone here. Accept the camera, this offer is coming from your friend's heart because she cares about you. Your PT friends look forward to all the pictures you so graciously share with us, your visit to the zoo, the countryside, and I remember the pictures of your town - looking at them was like actuall being there with you.
And you DO deserve this and every other good thing that comes your way. You have always come through as a kind and caring person, there's no question that if things were reversed you'd be doing the same for her!
I hope you'll let us know what you decide to do.

[Alysser]

Kirsten, this post made me a little sad. Of course you deserve it! Not only do you have a wonderful gift and brilliant eye, you are such a sweet kind person. You've been through A LOT recently and I believe you deserve it, as does your friend. If she's offering this to you, she is obviously a true friend and really believes in you and your passion. I think you should accept the gift as well.

Please don't feel like you are a useless individual, because that isn't true in the slightest.

[phesina]

I agree with everyone else, Kirsten. Please accept your friend's fine gift. This is a blessing for you and her both.

[Kirsten]

Thank you everyone so very much for your support, and your kind words... means a lot! Maybe you're right, I'll think about it...

[Lady's Human]

No thinking involved, Kirsten, except for saying Danke shoen and returning the favor with some of the photographs generated by your talent and the new tool. Speaking of which, have you ever thought about selling your photography? The images are beautiful.

[redbird]

Karen and caseysmom; your words almost brought tears to my eyes... :o Yes, she's my friend for many years (since we were 13 years old), and even though she lives far apart meanwhile, we're talking on the phone almost every day. And she knows what it means to me, taking pics and everything...

Kirsten, I agree with the others and you should let your friend help you if she wants. I have seen your photography and by taking your pictures and sharing them, you are bringing beauty to all of us. I don't want to stop seeing that beauty so accept the camera and share the photo's with us :love:

[Edwina's Secretary]

I have a friend who likes to give gifts. At first I was between being offended and "what should I get her in return?" Eventually I came to realize the gift I could give her was to accept her gifts and appreciate her. So I do.

I like the phrase above "Gracious Receiver." So true.

[Catty1]

Kirsten - if there were no receivers, there would be a lot of heartbroken givers! ;)

If it were me, I would be feeling so happy that I could afford to help a dear friend!

Share in her happiness. Receive. :love:

[RICHARD]

If your camera is taking dirty pictures, could you send me copies?;)

[Scooter's Mom]

If your camera is taking dirty pictures, could you send me copies?;)

LOL, why is it Richard is the first one to think of this reply? :D

[dukedogsmom]

If your camera is taking dirty pictures, could you send me copies?;)
You crack me up!

[krazyaboutkatz]

Kirsten, I agree with everyone who has posted. You should definitely accept your friends generous offer.:) Your photos are amazing and you bring so much joy and happiness to others when you share them with people.:)

[Karen]

I just got off the phone with K9 Karen, and will go update her thread in a minute, but I told her about this, and she said to tell you:

"Take the camera, silly! It's not even up for debate, you deserve, take it!"

[mrspunkysmom]

Well, as many of you probably know, I love photography.
Anyway, I just don't know what to do... :rolleyes:

Take the Camera! Do what you love. The money will come later.

[Kirsten]

lol@Richard! :D

Thank you so much for your support everyone, that really helps a lot!

And Karen, if you talk to Karen the next time, please tell her thank you from me for her advice! :)

[phesina]

Yes, I totally agree with everyone, accept the camera with grace and gratitude and good spirits. Use it with joy and share that joy with your friend. This is such a blessing for both of you!

Love from Pat and cats :love::love::love::love::love::love::love::love:

[Karen]

lol@Richard! :D

Thank you so much for your support everyone, that really helps a lot!

And Karen, if you talk to Karen the next time, please tell her thank you from me for her advice! :)


I will! She is currently accepting help from a lovely friend, and so knows how you feel!

[Kirsten]

Well, I have to say... I have just declined my friend's offer. As it turned out, she'll have some payments to do she did not expect, and under these circumstances, I would simply feel bad to accept the camera. Besides, I'm expecting more complications, health-wise, in the future, and with things going downhill so quickly, I don't think I'm worth it. I'll use my old camera, as long as it's working, and after that... well, who knows. Photography might be ending for me very soon. Of course I'm sad, but I would feel terrible if I'd feel she'd only bought the camera for me 'cause she promised to do so, even though she has now other bills to pay. Life sucks, but then again, that's not new to me. :(



Edit: Okay, she just called, right after I emailed her ... She has ordered the cam (not the 550D, but even the 600D which is on sale at amazon right now!). Still don't know what to think. I'm grateful, and of course I'm excited, but I still feel so bad about it. Sorry, I guess I'm pretty confused right now... :o

[Karen]

I, for one, think you are still worth it, so am glad the already ordered the camera, and look forward to seeing what lovely photos you will take with it!

[Randi]

Kirsten, I'm so glad to hear it's settled now - you deserve it. You'll be exited to learn how to use the new camera and shoot fantastic photos. We're all gonna enjoy them! :)

Sleep well!

[phesina]

Oh, Kirsten, you deserve this camera so very much, and your friend knows you do too, so that's why she is getting it for you even with all her new financial difficulties.

She loves you very much and is enriching her own life as well as yours by making this gift from her heart to you.

Use it with joy and gratitude, and make beautiful photographs with it.

God bless you and her both.

Love from Pat and cats :love::love::love::love::love::love::love::love: