A tough decision...

[Kirsten]

Well, as many of you probably know, I love photography. 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...

[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... 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 ) 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."

[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?