A Bit About My Photography

How I Started

The first time I went on a grand adventure was to Peru and Argentina back in 2013.  Before the trip, I invested around $200 or so into a point and shoot camera.  At the time the choice was simply that it seemed like it would produce better quality pictures than a phone.  The jury is still out on that one.

 

That first trip was filled with some of my absolute worst photos I have ever taken but also some of my absolute favorite pictures.  I had not studied photography in the slightest and largely planned on using the camera for documenting the trip.  Like most people these days, I didn’t understand the basics of how cameras worked and had zero formal education in photography. I mostly took the pictures to show my mom later. 

 

In reviewing some of those photos with my family, I realized I rather liked some of them. I attribute this to the fact that Machu Picchu is a beautiful place (the most beautiful I have seen yet) instead of thinking that I’m a good photographer.  I wanted to learn more about the art and understand what makes a beautiful photo verse what makes a crude snapshot.

Five years and five ruined cameras later, I’ve studied the art and the devices involved in creating digital photos. I am still on a path of learning and love all the practice I can get.  I still have no formal education in photography but have studied the art using all the resources at my disposal.  

 

To me, a great photo is one that catches the essence of a place and time. Like all art, photography tells a story which can inspire, impress and provoke emotion. Thats what I’m trying to learn.

 

Perhaps I’m wrong but I feel that great photographers understand that all of the things that aren’t in a photo are just as important as all of the things that are.

That being said, I shoot all my photos in Manual mode and RAW.  All my post work is done in Lightroom now-a-days.  I also occasionally use Snapseed directly on my phone for last minute touch ups. 

 

I’m still striving to develop a style in photography and to perfect the kind of compositions that I want in an image. In following this path I’m constantly learning more about what I love and don’t love.

To anyone just getting into the world of photography: practice, practice, practice.  Find out what kind of photos you like to see. Then figure out what it is about them that separates them from the photos you don't like.  I’ve conceived countless ideas for photos which have fallen flat on their face and were utterly disappointing once I took the picture. I’ve even shared a number of these photos despite my better judgement.  It’s all part of the process for me. 

 

If it weren’t for all of the love, support and encouragement that others have given me on this learning journey, I would’ve given up awhile ago. Thank you!!!