When I got my first DSLR I was under the grand illusion that since I had a nice camera that it would just automatically take better pictures. I was under the impression that it was about the camera and that having a better camera would make me a better picture taker. Well, I couldn't have been more wrong.
It's been about 2 years since I took that leap and took my camera off auto-pilot. But that first leg of the journey was a very long and frustrating one. I had no idea what aperture or f-stop was let alone ISO and how they played together. I think I went straight to manual mode and there was quite a learning curve and some really bad photos. But it was being out of my comfort zone that pushed me in the right direction and I quickly realized that this wasn't something I would ever learn once and for all.
I now understand just enough about photography to know that it's definitely a journey and that there is no destination. That it will be an ever changing road as my vision and technical knowledge changes, but that doesn't mean I still don't get frustrated. Oh, I'm sure my husband has heard me on more than one occasion threaten to give it up, because just when I think I've got something figured out, I trip on something else. But that quickly passes with the next aha moment when technology and vision briefly meet in the middle.
Share some of your abstract vision with us our flickr group - you just might be our next InFocus selection!
16 comments:
Beautiful photo Kim! You are so right....photography is a journey and I feel as though I'm continually learning. It really feeds my soul and it's good to know that there isn't a end to it, but instead continual growth technically and artistically. Welcome to the group!
Oh, Kim! So true!! We get that "fancy" camera, the "big girl" camera, and we think we're really Big Girls taking pictures. If only it were that easy! But, as Leigh says, that's the joy of it! The constant journey, the constant quest for that perfect photo, that perfect sunset, that perfect smile or expression. And as Leigh says, that's what keeps us engaged in this marvelous art we call "photography".
Welcome to the Life Sisters, Kim!
xo
Lovely image Kim. I always remember what my photography teachers told me - "it's not the camera, it's the photographer who makes the picture." I personally love the fact the our photography journey has no end to it. I love learning and improving and finding new things to shoot and new ways to shoot them. Welcome to FOL - great first post and I look forward to many more!
Oh there is so much I think I could have added to this post, but I was sleep-deprived when I wrote it! haha I think knowing that it is a journey and that there is no destination takes some of the pressure off ourselves to know it all, don't ya think?
Thank you, and yes, there is a certain anticipation of constantly learning. If there was an ending point where we would we go from there?
Thank you! I always get frustrated when people say, wow that's a nice camera it must take great pictures! As if it had a vision or creativity button on it somewhere, lol!
Wonderful shot of that little droplet of water! I've enjoyed learning how to use my DSLR and understand more about how cameras work, but I still love my trusty Canon elph. It really is all about our own vision and what we're trying to communicate.
So very true Gina, because if it was all about the camera, photography would all look the same. I've really learned in my yearning for new camera gear, that I need to be able to communicate with what I have and not use not having the "new lens" for not portraying my vision. That's not to say that new equipment isn't helpful in doing that, just not the only way.
So true is your statement It seems that so many of us go through this. Part of my journey was keeping my first SLR in the box for a month looking at it.
Lovely Lovely photo
Welcome Kim! Such a beautiful picture! You're post is so right! A better camera won't take a better picture! Only as we learn can we take a better picture! And there is so much to learn and explore! Just when I think I've found something to focus on, something else will come along and I will have to learn all about it! It's so much fun!
xo,
Linda
oooooH that droplet was caught JUST in the perfect time~~ Grand shot.
There is a post on my Facebook page from a friend so mine who shared a post about top 10 things NOT to say to a photographer... one of them being... "oooh you must have a REALLY nice camera to take those great shots!"
I have learned a new reply when people say "what do you use when you get such good photos?"
I say -- "My eyes" :) I have to admit that I wished I had kept all my cameras but when I found my "new" loves I eventually discarded the old ones. *silly me!* my first 35mm would be a TREASURE now!!
So glad you are with us! Love the post and be sure to link back to YOUR personal blog so all of our readers can see your beautiful stuff!
I can remember the exact day and circumstance that I got my first SLR then my first digital camera and then my first DSLR...It is a fabulous journey and I am pretty sure it is a never ending yet delightful road! Love your photo! Perfect timing!
First of all, that photo is to die for! What kind of camera do you have? (wink, wink!) Yes, I think the desire to keep learning and to never really "master" this hobby is what keeps us all engaged and interested. And, may I just say how great it is to be in the company of all of you who really "get" what this is all about. Love it!
Welcome, Kim! It's so great to have you here!
Beautiful photo! I plan to continue my learning journey by following you all here! So glad to find your blog!
Thank you Terri!
Thank you Claudia, and I'll have to share my favorite quote about a photographer and a chef sometime! haha
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