Joel received his first camera for his 10th birthday. While his relatives were skeptical of photography as a career, Joel found joy in capturing moments and was praised by his teacher for his photos. This encouraged Joel to pursue photography professionally. Later, Joel's aunt appreciated a photo he took of her, his uncle, and cousin together, realizing photos help people remember happy times. Joel was glad he didn't give up on his dream of becoming a photographer.

1. Picture-perfect
Dream
BY: MYRNA C.
BARRANTA

2. Joel receive his very first camera on his tenth
birthday. His parents give it to him in the
hopes that he will finally find something
interest him. At first, Joel does not
understand what makes camera interesting,
but he tries taking pictures of his birthday
celebration with his new camera anyway.
After some time, Joel starts to enjoy the idea
of capturing precious moments. He just
cannot stop taking pictures. He also finds it
soothing to press the shutter the button of his
new camera. Days and months pass, but
there is never a day that Joel forgets to take
a picture.

3. During the school fair, Joel brings
his camera with him to take pictures
of the event. Ms. Estrada notices
Joel and asks if she can take a look
at the picture he has taken. Ms.
Estrada impressed with Joel’s shots.
She says’ “Joel, you take really good
pictures. You have the makings of a
professional photographer.
Joel is happy about the compliment
because he loves the idea of his
pictures making people happy. He
then decides to study photography
someday and become a
professional photographer.

4. One Saturday morning, Joel’s relatives visit his family. While having lunch, his aunt Carla asks
him what he wants to be when he grow up. “I want to be a professional photographer,” Joel
says with a smile on his face.
“A photographer ? But I don’t think you can make a lot of money by taking photos ? Uncle Jess
says, unimpressed.
“That’s true, Jess. Besides, cameras cost a lot of money. The money your parents will be
paying for your tuition fee will not be worth it, Joel,” Aunt Carla says.
“I want to be a doctor Kuya Joel,” Kiko, Joel ‘s eight-year old cousin says, in between
spoonful's of rice. “So that people will call me Doctor Fransico Tobias.”

5. “You can be a lawyer, Joel. Don’t you want to be called
Attorney Joel Tobias someday ?” Aunt Carla says.
That night, Joel thinks about the things his relatives have
said about being a photographer. He is about to give up on
his dream when he remembers the photos he took during
his party. One picture shows Aunt Carla, Uncle Jess, and
Kiko having fun together at his party. He remembers that
Uncle Jess is usually away on business, so their family
hardly has pictures of all three of them together. He finally
realizes the real reason why he wants to become a
photographer – to make people smile with his pictures.
What Aunt Carla, Uncle Jess, and Kiko have said about his
dream may be true, but as long as he knows why
photography makes him happy, there is no way he will ever
give it up.

6. The next day, Jess brings the pictures to his Aunt Carla. Aunt Carla is so happy
to see a picture of herself, Uncle Jess, and Kiko. She takes Joel for taking the
picture and for capturing a happy moments. She also apologizes for saying
negative things about his dream. She then admits that Joel has what it takes to
become a photographer.
On his way home, Joel cannot help but smile. He is so glad about not giving up
on his dream. He has found another person who believes in what he can do. He
feels that he is not heading home, but is going toward a bright future, his dream
within his reach. He makes a promise to himself that he will become the best
photographer the world has ever seen and inspire many people with his pictures.

7. The End!
Thank you