After my brother passed, I discovered my camera. With the help of a friend, I was able to get a really nice camera and soon we were the best of friends. If I don’t have my big camera by my side; I have my camera on my cell, ready to capture a photo.
I love taking photos; but I love sharing them with people. It isn’t because I think I am so good at photography. It is because I simply enjoy being in the moment. At first when I started taking photos, I could drown out the pain I was in from losing my brother.
I can see him today. If he was still with me, he would say nothing, but he would be grinning from ear to ear, because he would know how much I enjoyed this activity.
Well, ever since I got this darn Parkinson’s, I have not been able to care for others any longer. I went from a working girl to living on the government’s disability program. I started to fret because I wondered where I was going to get extra money, since I receive little in my check.
I looked at a program that several people had directed me towards. It is called Fine Art America. This is the link for my site in this company.
http://terry-shepherd.pixels.com/
I did the free enrollment for a few months. I noticed that I received quite a few likes on my photos; so I decided to further my plan and pay a one-year membership, which was pretty low in cost.
Today, I noticed I have received over 34,000 likes or clicks on my photos; but sadly not a single sale. Either I have foolishly believed I had some sort of small talent, or I am not reaching anyone outside of the thousands of members who look at my photos.
I just don’t know what to do anymore to be truthful. This is the beginning of a stressful time for me. Christmas is coming. Oh the extra money that is needed for those special gifts.
Between seeing the NO SALES on Fine Art and Christmas nearing, I realize even more, I need to earn some kind of money.
I have researched so many places for at home making jobs, but find nothing legitimate. Someone mentioned I try to sell my photos to a calendar company. I looked into it through Google, but saw nothing.
Sometimes I get so discouraged. I ask God often, what do you want me to do? What am I qualified to do? All I ever knew was caring for someone else. Help show me God.
It saddens me that I am this age, older but not antique yet, and I may have nothing left to offer to help myself out. Is this the way I will go out? Just hanging around, watching TV, not being able to do something for others? Oh this darn Parkinson’s.
How do other people do it? How do women who didn’t work enough to receive a good pension or retirement fund survive today?
One side of the coin says, I am glad I was able to be a stay-at-home mommy, and the flip side says, I should have worked.
I don’t know why I am rambling on; but it feels good to get it out of my head. If any of you have any suggestions on something I can do, or some place I can look; let me know. My email is;
tellmenolies2004@yahoo.com or you can respond through here.
I know I am not the only one in this situation, so there has to be something somewhere.
Thanks for reading.
Below is one of my photos.
Who I am 
The women of the generation before us did a lot of living and serving in the church. Sometimes, these contacts would bring us money making opportunities, but mostly they didn’t. What they got was a lot of social contact, friendship, and other people who would help when the time came for them to stop driving or doing much work at all. I don’t know what God may have ahead of you, but I am sure that being in some social circle will make a bigger difference than you are facing right now. Bless you!
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A social atmosphere would be great
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Churches and non profits are in desperate need of help – like churchmousie stated doesn’t bring in the money…but it will bring in support you need right need. A feeling of doing something and connecting with women who will love and care for you. I know times are hard, I am headed there myself – and sadly I know many people in the same situation as you. This may not be an answer for your financial concerns but for Christmas you can always take pictures make calendars for everyone including childhood photos, create framed prints that will be cherished for years to come. Pray, pray and pray some more…stay with God, trust in His timing because His timing is perfect and you will be blessed. Sometimes the answers we want is the not answer He gives but the answer He gives is always the answer we need. Wait patiently on God and He will reveal to you His perfect plan for you. I know that is not easy as I always say, “patience” is not my middle name! 🙂 Another saying that I hope cheers you up is ” When God was passing out the patience the line was too long so I got impatient and went to the next one” Always remember God is with you in all of your circumstances.
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Thanks for the great tips my friend
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Will keep you lifted up to God in prayer…so sorry you have to go through all of this. But we do serve a Mighty God – hold on to His promises. It may not take away the pain and trials of life but it does get us through them
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Terry, I feel for you – and you’ve had so much to deal with. I’m free-lance and always wonder when my art career might dry up. I go for long stretches without any income and try to stay hopeful.
One thought I had, was that I searched a lot to find a “companion” for my mother when she was in the nursing home. A companion is just that – no heavy lifting at all. Just talking, reading aloud and keeping the patient company. I wonder if there are needs for that near where you live. I know there was a shortage of people at the time I was looking.
I also thought that perhaps a school might benefit from your being an aide. You might need some training, but I imagine you could volunteer to see whether it’s something you like to do.
I so understand about selling photos. I have my art online for sale. People just don’t buy images – there’s so much available for free and people actually just take my lo-res ones right off my websites to use without permission. It’s such a tough and unfulfilling business. But I never have regretted sharing my paintings.
I pray something works out for you. Sending a big hug!
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I have been a CNA for many years. Perhaps I could locate a companion job. Good idea! I want a macro lens so bad I can almost taste it. My camera bring me great pleasure, blocking out the loss of my brother for a while. I can use a macro lens inside this winter when it will be very difficult to get out in the ice and snow. I thought about praying for it but thought that sounds selfish of me. It is a want, not a need. Hugs and thanks for sharing your thoughts with me
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Wow, if you’re a CNA you’d be perfect for this and it pays much better than many other part time jobs. I remember loving my 35mm camera with it’s macro lens. I love closeup shots. We have a lot in common, Terry.
I am so sorry for the loss of your brother. Siblings are our longest life relationship. Having that cut out is a huge loss of our past, present and future. It’s no wonder you feel so much grief!
Thinking of you and I’m wondering if your prayers actually will be answered in ways you didn’t imagine!
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It does seem we have much in common . I know God will answer . I hate when I worry
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