Beech Tree News Network

Every now and then I ponder the question of why I do what I do.  I’m not the best speaker.  I found my college public speaking class deplorable.  Not because it was a bad class, but because I was terrified of public speaking.  Having to give a speech on a specifically given subject for a certain amount of time isn’t easy.  I didn’t like it.  The last week of that class was one of the best weeks ever.  As if I needed more evidence, this proved that public speaking was not for me.

I abhor taking tests.  Well, I abhorred taking tests where you only had a certain amount of time to finish.  What I did like, however, was the essay.  Sure, sometime I only got partial credit because the answer wasn’t 100% correct.  I always enjoyed writing.  It was only later I’d learned I enjoyed photography as well.

My first camera was a cherry red Kodak.  No, I don’t remember the model.  I graduated to a Cannon, which I currently use.  I stick that camera in my pocket before I leave the house.  I take pictures because I enjoy it but there is also another reason.  March 14 I went to see Billy Joel.  I was asked how I am able to enjoy shows because I’m always taking pictures.  I will now tell you why I take pictures.

First of all, I enjoy it.  Secondly, and perhaps the deeper reason, I’ll have memories for when I’m older.  There are a lot of things in life we don’t get to keep.  We don’t keep our memory.  Yet we keep the memories we make.  I took about 40 pictures and two videos of the concert because, well, how many times does a person see Billy Joel perform in their lifetime? I’ll have those pictures to look back on when I’m old and gray.   Call them a memory jogger, if you will.

So there you have it.  One of the reasons I take pictures is so I’ll have memories for my later years.  The other reason is that I simply enjoy taking pictures.  I even voluntarily took a class to take better pictures.  If that’s not dedication, I don’t know what is.  So grab a camera and go out and snap some memories.  Better yet, take some friends along.

 Hello.  My name is Andy Sullivan.  I received my bachelor’s degree in business from Mid-Continent University in June 2009.  I began writing for beechtree in July 2009.  I enjoy writing, photography, watching basketball and football, and playing guitar.  I also write a blog that encompasses sports and entertainment, called Sports and More, at http://andyuk79.tumblr.com If you have any comments, please leave them in the space below.  Thanks for reading!