Piece of Cake, Right?

I have a completely new respect for photographers these days.  Last week, a gentleman in our department at work was retiring.  Over the last few weeks, people began planning party for him.  As time went on, a co-worker noticed I had a decent camera, and asked if I would be interested in shooting the party.  I responded, with absolutely!  Sure!  While thinking, holy crap, what did I just step in to?  The dog lover in me lifted my foot to my nose to double-check.  Nothing there.  Jon, what the hell are you thinking?  You're not a photographer.  Oh, shut up...it'll be a piece of cake.  


Almost immediately, I sunk myself in Google and photography books.  I think I was reading with one hand and typing Kiely with the other.  Thank you for the tips Kiely!  


As a result, my perspective on photography has changed.  You have to approach the meanderings of the event, whatever it may be, with a different set of eyes.  A different angle.  For instance, there were several speeches given.  During those times, most people's eyes would be on the speaker.  Not mine.  I was looking at the recipient's reaction to those spoken words to get the shot.  I feel like in some ways I missed parts of it because I was trying to so hard to capture it all.  Being responsible for someone's memories is tough.  And this was just a retirement party.  A wedding?  Senior pictures?  Those are the things that only happen a few times in someone's life.  No pressure or anything, I can do this.  


Ironically enough, my favorite photo among the 120+ photos I took, ended up being of a slice of cake.  I probably shouldn't post pictures of all the photos I took because most of them have the 56,786 people who attended, whom I don't have permission from to do so.  I don't know where it goes from here and if I have the ability to the learn the profession at that level.  But I know one thing for sure - My father asked me over the weekend, so after all that, would you do it again?


In a heartbeat.