Unless you are incredibly wealthy, you get it that money is tight these days. Even for those who were relatively comfortable, the cost of everything has gone up. Which for me means finding ways to entertain myself that I can do for free.
So how can you entertain yourself for free you might be wondering? Well – do what I do, and find something you love, that you can do for free. Ok, ok, the initial investment will cost money, but there are ways to keep the cost down. And I am talking about photography.
Last weekend my friend Lynda and I made our way to the horse park for the last show in the summer series. And the only thing it cost me (besides what I bought lol) was the gas to get there.
Having Fun With Less Money
Instead of focusing on how much this is going to cost me to go to the show, I focused on taking pictures, and capturing moments. I was challenging myself to have fun with things that I already have, doing something I love – taking pictures!
And I know I am not a professional by any stretch of the imagination. But I love practicing, and getting better at it. Not only does it help me to work on my skills, but it helps me to capture memories of the day, and the fun that I had while I was there.
Have you ever tried to capture a rider in a jumper class? It is not easy for sure.
But that is what is so much fun for me. Practicing, and getting better at it. The more I do it, the better my pictures get. And If I can get access to the pro’s – for free? Heck ya!
And the only place my pictures will ever end up is either on my computer, or my website, I’m ok with that. Because my goal isn’t to have my photo’s published anywhere, other than here. My goal is to get better. And, have fun in the process.
Give Yourself A Goal
For example, while we were at the show, I thought it would be fun to capture some more – commercial style pictures.
So I tried to think how businesses might like to have their product represented in a photo. For this, it would be equestrian related companies, such at HB Tack for this first example. I know it isn’t tack sharp, or perfect, but it looks cool! The horse’s flowy (and amazing) tail, and their banner in the background. Neeto!
And then I cropped this photo of a horse going over a jump, with all four legs off the ground, and the Peak Performance standard as the focal point. Peak Performance is a mobile equine spa, in case you were wondering.
And of course – my favorite handcrafted products that I discovered because of the horse show, Bohemian Spirit Horse
Very cool indeed. And within her boot, I found many opportunities to practice my photography.
Will I ever do anything with these photos? Other than looking at them for my own amusement, probably not. I know they aren’t considered to be perfect to anyone else other than myself. And I’m good with that. But when I look at my own pictures, it moves me forward in my thinking of… “How can I get better?”
And I can do that for free simply by continuing to practice! Which means I need to go to more horse shows, so I can take more pictures!
Entertaining Myself For Free
It’s fun to be able to go someplace and not stress about how much it’s going to cost you to once you get there. Having a hobby that, after you get the necessary equipment, you can do for free is a wonderful thing in my opinion.
I am glad that I bought my camera a few years ago. And I have everything I need to take pictures anywhere. Also, being able to educate myself on the actual skill involved in photography (thanks YouTube) for free is fabulous too.
So if you find yourself looking for something to do, and you don’t have any money to do it, why not look to the things you already love to do? It could be photography, or gardening, or even re-arranging your room! My point is you can find things to do that won’t cost anything, other than your time. So why not take the time, and think about it, and then go do it!
