Brother and sister share a love of photography

By KARI KRAMER | East Texas Edition

Kendall, 13, and Ashley, 17, are brother and sister. They both enjoy photography as a hobby. With disposable cameras, the two began taking pictures when they were only 6- and 7-years-old. Since, they have competed in many contests and traveled the world. -- Staff photo by Carolyn Rost

Jan. 13, 2004 - Photography is a hobby that is growing in popularity.

You may not think of taking pictures as a hobby, but Kendall and Ashley Willis of Harris County think it is a great hobby.

Ashley, 17, began taking pictures as a hobby when she was only 7- or 8-years-old. Her 4-H group learned of a photography contest and she decided to enter. Her first camera was a disposable camera that can be purchased at almost any store.

"I thought it was fun and we did photo trips as a family and as a group in 4-H," said Ashley. She has taken trips to Switzerland and Austria.

Ashley's brother, Kendall, 13, said he also became involved in photography though 4-H.

"I was in 4-H and watched all the older kids, including my sister, take pictures and I liked all the ribbons they were (winning)," said Kendall, who also started his photography hobby using a disposable camera at the age of 6. At 9-years-old, he was still using a basic disposable camera.

"I entered the Tomball Chamber of Commerce promotional contest. With a disposable camera, I took a picture of my sister and two friends sitting outside the town's log cabin," said Kendall. "I won first place and the prize was flying with the Texas Air Aces in an airborne combat mission (drill). I really flew the plane by myself for a while!"

Kendall said the best part about photography is getting the results after entering a contest and seeing how others liked his work.

Ashley said, "I also like to share my photos in cards for community service, like sending them to the soldiers overseas," she said.

Ashley's photography skills have improved over the years. She has won blue ribbons in state 4-H contests and two first places at the Houston Livestock Show in 2003. After taking pictures with disposable cameras, advancing to more expensive equipment, and winning several awards, Ashley hopes to use her love of photography in a job some day.

"I want to be a horticulturalist and I can take pictures of the flowers I see. I may be able to combine the two in a career," said Ashley.

Kendall also uses more expensive equipment now. The two kids have recently began using digital cameras in their photo hobby.

Both Kendall and Ashley know that it does not take expensive equipment to be successful in photography - both of them used disposable cameras for years. The two also agree that others should give the hobby a try.

The most important thing, according to Ashley, is to be creative and use your imagination.