Photography – My Journey And Some Things I Have Learned

My Early Years As A Photographer

I can recall taking my first photos at the age of seven old. When we were on vacation with the family, my parents purchased me a tiny camera for about a dollar. It had tiny film and snapped tiny black and white images. I can remember taking them. However, I’m not sure the subjects I snapped photos of. I think it was due to a reason: I was unsure of how to do it, and (I’m sure) they weren’t perfect.

Thirty years and a few cameras, and I was a novice at taking decent photos. I would aim the camera towards someone, usually someone from my family and then release the shutter. As the film was made (back when digital was a thing), the best images were put into albums, while the ones that were not so good were placed in inboxes. I have more boxes than albums. This is because I didn’t know anything about composition, lighting and apertures, or shutter speeds. It wasn’t until I reached my 50s that I realized that the importance of photography other than just shooting and pointing.

Learning to Throw Fewer Photos Into A Box

When digital cameras first came out, I purchased a few earlier models and began photographing objects and places (landscapes and other objects). In my late 50s, I decided to pursue photography and purchased a semi-professional DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera. The first time I tried my new camera, I was amazed by its superior quality and how more appealing my photographs appeared using it. The first image I snapped with my newly acquired camera is of the lens of a lighthouse. It was when I entered it into the county fair in my town, and it took home “Best of Show,” I fell in love with photography. I realized that it was just luck that I managed to capture the perfect picture, but I was simply pointing and shooting. I started to think about whether I could learn more about how my camera operated and how to take better pictures; perhaps I could be able to add more photos to the album and fewer to my boxes and even get more award-winning photos.

From then on, I began watching online videos. I also bought books and signed up for magazines, trying to understand all I could learn about the basic principles of photography. This has undoubtedly helped me to create better photos. I’d like to share something I learned about my photos as I practised specific techniques I learned, which is helping me to incorporate more of them in my albums.

Something Of Interest

A lot of the images that make it into my albums (and in my portfolio) contain something intriguing in them that tells stories, stir an emotion, or set the mood. For instance, with the lens of the lighthouse, The main focus is on the lens itself. People might be wondering whether it’s an objective lens, what’s it’s about, the way it functions and where it made, or what lighthouse it is located in. It is possible to think of a storm or an ailing ship that needs assistance. I’ve taken photos of bridges, barns, railroad tracks, rivers, boat walkways, lighthouses, structures, sidewalks, as well as hammocks, piers and mountains. If they are well-composed in my photographs, each has something to say.

When I am taking my camera out in a stunning or fascinating location, I can become so absorbed in the beauty or excitement that I want to record every moment, and I am tempted to snap and point. Then the camera slows, and I begin to examine what draws me to the area. There’s usually something that is noticeable that could become the focal point to better record what I see and even how I think. If I can draw the attention of that area of interest, using all the techniques I’ve learned and making use of a part or all the elements present in the scene, I am able to relate the things I notice.

Something That Helps Me

I’ve heard that it’s beneficial to study the images of other photographers in order to enhance my own photography. I attempt to try to do this whenever I can. Recently, I realized that the images I enjoyed most were similar to mine in that they each had a distinct aspect of interest. The way they chose to capture their shots has helped me decide the best way to get mine. So, when I’m on the lookout for my most effective method to capture an image, I will remember to click the shutter.

I think my photography had increased since when I was seven years old. I’ve even sold some of my photographs today. It’s a fantastic feeling to know that someone else is enjoying my work and would like to have to own one.

My sincere hope is that the information I’ve shared can help you improve your photography. Enjoy shooting!

Jim is an artist and landscape photographer hailing out of Northern California. After being diagnosed with leukaemia in 2008. Jim bought his very first semi-professional camera and started an adventure that has turned into an incredible hobby. Jim now uses an advanced camera.