Ep.92 – Story Time With Erik: “I Want Your Camera!”
In episode 92 of the “Empowering Choices” podcast titled “Story Time With Erik: ‘I Want Your Camera!’”, Erik shares a nostalgic tale about his journey into photography, sparked by his childhood curiosity and his father’s hobby. The episode begins with hosts Joshua and Lucas setting the stage for another one of Erik’s memorable stories, playfully suggesting Erik needs a rocking chair to set the mood for his story-telling sessions. Erik recounts his early fascination with his father’s camera when he was just six years old. Despite his persistent interest, his father cautiously waited to see if his son’s interest would wane, typical of young children. “I kept bugging him and bugging him,” Erik remembers, highlighting his persistent interest which eventually led his father to gift him a camera purchased from a garage sale—a far cry from the sophisticated model he idolized. The podcast delves into the lessons Erik learned through his initial experiences with photography. He describes his father’s approach of gradually introducing him to the craft, starting with simple, durable cameras and slowly allowing him more autonomy as he demonstrated responsibility and continued interest. This methodical approach mirrored his father’s scientific mind, emphasizing patience and observation. As Erik grew older, his father’s gifts of cameras became more sophisticated, matching his growing skill and sustained interest. However, Erik humorously notes the ongoing disparity between the cameras he received and the one he always wanted—his father’s. “It was not the same. Why are we doing this?” Erik reflects on his father’s cautious but supportive approach. The episode concludes with a broader discussion on supporting children’s interests. Both hosts reflect on the importance of nurturing a child’s passion through involvement and gradual trust-building. They underscore the idea that while not every child will continue with every hobby, the support and acknowledgment from a parent are crucial in helping them explore and grow their interests. “He could have said, ‘Let’s go take pictures. Let me show you what I know,’” Erik muses, wishing for more shared experiences around their common interest. This story not only serves as a personal reflection for Erik but also offers a valuable lesson for parents on encouraging and participating in their children’s hobbies.
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