My Photography Journey.
At the end of 2016, I purchased an entry-level DSLR. After hours of debating, and last-minute phone calls in the store to my sister wondering, should I really spend $400 dollars on a camera?! I pulled the trigger and my photography journey began.
It sounds like a simple decision, but it was a monumental step towards something I talked about for over a decade. Starting around 2002, I was always the girl who had a camera attached to her, way before cell phones took the stage. I went through more Canon point-and-shoots than should be allowed. Those cameras were put to the test and I found out that dropping one from a second-story window during a group timer photo does not result in a positive outcome.
Most tragically, in 2003 I found out the true meaning of ‘FORMAT card’, after selecting that option in my menu and losing over 500 family vacation photos. (RIP to all of those pictures that I still think about at least once a week).
I was determined to take my photography to the next level and researched endlessly to learn the in’s and out’s of my camera and how to shoot in Manual. I invested in online courses for my most pressing needs and filled notebooks with pages of tips and photography strategy.
My camera was on me for each trip out the door, allowing me to document as many moments as I could. My dad making a grilled-cheese sandwich- it was good enough content for me. My little sister and I on a bike ride in the middle of nowhere- a good opportunity to test landscape, leading lines and outdoor exposure settings.
It became habitual to be in an environment with new light and have questions swirl through my head of what the best settings would be for ISO, Aperture, and Shutter speed.
I realized quickly, that for the first time in a long time I was learning.
Learning something that sparked creativity, challenge, and a physical product at the end!
I continued to push this self-education and consumed hours of information from other professionals in the industry. I connected with people far and wide who were on the same journey as me, either in a similar lane or miles down the road. It was both motivating and exhausting, but it was always worth it.
Now, more than three years later, I think back to that moment in the camera shop. I’m grateful I made the investment in both the camera and myself.
It’s important to learn something from scratch. You’ll probably feel stuck and when you do, just keep trying to take the next best step. Learning something new teaches you a lot about yourself and provides experiences that strengthen your ‘regular’ daily work.
Honestly, though there are days I look back through my calendar and inbox and see the names of incredible people who I would not have met without photography. I’ve been able to support their stories, share their successes and challenges, and most importantly become their friend.
I’ve experienced the magic of creating and believing in yourself.
If you’re thinking about starting something, do it.
You’ll be glad you did.
