It doesn't matter what age you are, what you do or where you live. It doesn't matter what camera you had or how much it cost. Never mind if it was a SLR, compact or Box Brownie.

You will always remember your first shots.

Getting your first camera is one of the most exciting feelings in this world. Suddenly you have the ability to capture images from around you - images that are your sole creation. And you can show them off to anyone who cares to see them.

Although it was many years ago, I still remember my first camera: a Zenit E - built like a tank and with an exposure meter build from spare car parts. But it was, for me, a dream to own my own camera at last. The touch, the feel, the smell .....

Loading the first film was such an exciting moment. Shaking with anticipation, and with the instruction manual lying unused on the floor, the color film was eventually loaded and I was ready to go.

For me, my initial images were taken within but a few feet. The house cat became a supermodel and the tabby was snapped from all angles - at least until the 36 exposures were completed.

Five days from that heady time witnessed the delivery of the fruits of my labour. Thirty six cats - many unfocussed, most poorly exposed, yet all treasured even to this day.

Do you also remember your first time? It may have been your cat, dog, loved one. Or perhaps your home, street or the nearest flower. You wouldn't share the images today - they would be criticised and ridiculed. But those early shots began your photographic journey which will have continued till this day.

No, you won't share the images. But you might share the memory

Eric Hartwell is an enthusiastic photographer. He owns and runs the photography resource site http://www.theshutter.co.uk and the associated discussion forums http://www.theshutter.co.uk/forums as well as the regular weblog at http://thephotographysite.blogspot.com Anyone interested in getting involved contact him at shutter@theshutter.co.uk

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