I just wanted to give a quick update on what’s going on with me, and what the future of Aly’s Vintage Camera Alley looks like.
Life has been extremely busy as most of you know, now that I chase around a toddler everyday. The pure exhaustion that comes with being a mom is not something you can understand until you are in it. It has put a strain on my creativity and I’ve been really struggling to pick up my camera or to share anything on here. Don’t get me wrong, I am not complaining, I love my little girl. Ive been very blessed, but this website and my Youtube channel have also been like a “baby” to me. One that I am not willing to let go of and I want it to continue to grow and be a resource for film lovers.
This site originally began as a blog for me to share my life through photography and it was always a great source of inspiration and a place to express myself creatively. That has basically disappeared over the last year or so and I’ve barely had time to even post my camera reviews. More and more I’ve found myself holding back what I share out of fear for many different reasons.
The Future of AVCA
All of that being said, I have been working on several things anytime I have had a spare moment. I recently released my new zine. That had a great reception so far. I’ve also been working on a camera review of the Mamiya Six that Mike Eckman lent me and several videos and a film review.
However, my morale has been so low that I just haven’t been able to bring myself to even develop any of the photos I’ve taken. I think it has been almost a year since Mike sent me that camera! Shout out to him and his patience with me. But last night I was working on the research part of the article and the history behind Mamiya just drew me in. It re-ignited the spark that originally started me in doing these vintage camera reviews.
So I plan to continue putting out my camera reviews, they just may be only once a month. I hope to start sharing more of my journal type articles that I used to share here, and I really want to start focusing more on my photography as a whole. Starting AVCA has kind of trapped me into a box that I think has most people seeing me as someone who tinkers with cameras and reviews them. while I do love to do those things, my first love has always been photography. I just happen to love to take my pictures using vintage cameras.
I want to share my projects, I am working on several, and I would like to start selling prints. That leads me to that part that I hate talking about, and that is the financial part of running this site. In order to keep all of my articles on the web, and to keep adding more, I have to pay a fee here on wordpress that is unaffordable without selling zines, getting donations, and having ads enabled. So if you have found that anything here has helped you and would like to contribute, please consider buying a zine or donating here.
Final Thoughts
My plan is to try to stop pressuring myself to get reviews out, because it is only crippling me into not doing anything. I will be sharing more of my photography and projects, and I hope that you will follow along with me. My dream has always been to one day release a book. I don’t know if that will ever happen, but I want to try, because photography has always been my passion and my therapy. I don’t plan on giving that up.
I plan to continue with my Youtube channel as well, because even though it is extremely difficult and time consuming to create an article and a video, it is so rewarding. The feedback I have gotten on my videos is what has kept me going, honestly.
So if you’ve been here since the beginning, thank you. I hope you will continue along with me, and I hope you’ve enjoyed what I have shared so far. If you’re suffering with any doubts or feeling of low motivation in your photography, try to remember what got you into it in the first place. Weigh out whether it is something that is worth fighting for. For me, it is.
As always, stay motivated and keep shooting.
Personally, I have always thought of you as a photographer first, not necessarily as someone who only tinkers with cameras. I found you when I was looking for details on a specific vintage camera which was extremely helpful. I hope you never stop shooting. You have a very good eye and a good handle on the technical aspects too. I’m looking forward to seeing more of your work!
Thank you so much! That means a lot to hear right now. I’m definitely not giving up I’ve just been temporarily slowed down lol
Keep up the good work. Remember, you are the CEO, Editor, and Owner of AVCA. You have no deadlines to meet or bosses to keep happy. Do it when you can, and step away when you need to. 🙂
I am going through almost the same thing as you right now. Writing reviews for my site isn’t as fun as it used to be and I need to make a change. Taking a break is the most logical thing to do, but exactly what happens next is up in the air. Do what you love, and if you aren’t loving it, do something else.
Take as much time as you need with the Mamiya 6. If you didn’t have it, it would be sitting on a shelf here, next to another Mamiya 6 that is sitting on a shelf. 🙂
Thank you Mike! That’s a great way to look at it. I’m always so grateful for you!
Becoming a parent is a major change to anyone’s life. We suddenly have a little human that needs us and life revolves around them for their first couple of years. We all know it’s a busy time, we will be here when you’re ready to publish a blog, a zine, a video or maybe that book.
Thank you so much. That means a lot to me, really.
Thank you for sharing, Aly. I admire your honesty and desire to keep fighting for your love of engaging in photography even though it’s not easy. I know life can make it so challenging to do the things we love. I appreciate seeing your determination to find a way to do what you love in a way that is appropriate for you–you are an inspiration. I wish you the best on this journey.
Thank you so much Amanda
Aly, I really enjoy your posts, vids, etc., but there is only so much one person can do. Your decision to step back a bit will do you good as your priorities are quite a bit different now than they were. Once your daughter is in school, maybe more free time will emerge for your projects, but now is the time to treasure and enjoy your present. If you set goals and you can’t meet them, your fans will still be here for you no matter what.
Thank you!