I probably do not belong on this thread, but Satybhat's post resonates with me.
Years ago, before the kids had flown from the nest, I too had similar problems. My family would walk a little distance behind me, saying 'we're not with him' to any passerby. Those days I had the tripod and my Canon 60D along with a few lenses all in belt pouches or in a backpack. DSLRs were rare (this was 2002 after all) as were large cameras in general. The 6MPx camera was my new toy and the new love of my life. I couldn't get enough of it and it went everywhere with me.
Later when my wife and I went alone she would still complain "you look ridiculous with that big lens on (it was just a 70-200 f4), look around, is there anybody else lugging a big camera?"
Over the years, she has graduated from being super conscious of my bumbling around with a big camera to actually helping me carry some of my gear. The kids are now much older and actually quite supportive of what I do. I suppose a lot of it has to do with the fact that they now see me as a serious photographer and not just somebody with a new fancy toy. My wife will now point out great angles or opportunities (she has a good eye) when I am photographing something.
The best part is when my kids ask for my prints to decorate their new apartment and when my wife says can you give a copy of your book to so and so?
The journey has been long and quite arduous, but getting here from there has been well worth it and tremendous fun to boot.
Pradeep
Years ago, before the kids had flown from the nest, I too had similar problems. My family would walk a little distance behind me, saying 'we're not with him' to any passerby. Those days I had the tripod and my Canon 60D along with a few lenses all in belt pouches or in a backpack. DSLRs were rare (this was 2002 after all) as were large cameras in general. The 6MPx camera was my new toy and the new love of my life. I couldn't get enough of it and it went everywhere with me.
Later when my wife and I went alone she would still complain "you look ridiculous with that big lens on (it was just a 70-200 f4), look around, is there anybody else lugging a big camera?"
Over the years, she has graduated from being super conscious of my bumbling around with a big camera to actually helping me carry some of my gear. The kids are now much older and actually quite supportive of what I do. I suppose a lot of it has to do with the fact that they now see me as a serious photographer and not just somebody with a new fancy toy. My wife will now point out great angles or opportunities (she has a good eye) when I am photographing something.
The best part is when my kids ask for my prints to decorate their new apartment and when my wife says can you give a copy of your book to so and so?
The journey has been long and quite arduous, but getting here from there has been well worth it and tremendous fun to boot.
Pradeep