I didn’t realize that photography had an eminent space in my heart until I was 26. For a long time, I looked at photographs that transcend one to a different mood and tell stories of unknown people and locations. No, I didn’t intend to unravel what goes behind a good photograph when I got my first DSLR, a Nikon 5300 with its kit lenses.
First Experience With Camera
I can never forget the experience of taking my first photos with a Sony analog camera. The camera belonged to my father, and we went on a vacation to the mountains.
We had gone out to catch the sunrise that reflects golden light on the snow-cloud mountain in the far. The cold wind coming from the Himalayan mountain was freezing our hands while the clouds were touching our feet. You can just imagine the awe and excitement of a 6-years old.
I was gushing with excitement while shivering even under four layers of clothes. My father was taking the shots as sun rays were hitting the mountain tops. The little box immediately attracted me, and I asked him to teach.
I felt it was too much work and also misused a few slots in the camera roll. I didn’t know what was the end result until the washing. Of course, the photos taken by me were out of proportion and random, but those gave me the joy of doing something.
When I Wished To Own A DSLR
One of my friends bought a high-end DSLR from the USA during my college years. He regularly brought that and would take a portrait or candid shots of us. One day, I asked him to teach me how to take some awesome photos with the camera. He taught the basics as he always used to shoot in auto-mode.
The moment I held the DSLR, my whole being felt with unseen joy that I would never forget. I took some photos of my friend with them and actually received appreciation. That day, I knew I wanted to own a DSLR as I fell in love with it.
My First Camera
Since my college days, I used to look into photographs and wonder when I would take such photos. When will I get my hand on my own DSLR? Some days, the excitement wouldn’t let me sleep.
Before owning my own camera, I had two used Sony cameras in my arsenal. One was my father’s Sony Cybershot DSC-W50, and I can’t remember the name of the other. Those kept my urge to capture some awesome shots. Yet, I was far from capturing interesting photos.
Here are a few shots from DSC-W50:
Fast forward to 2016; my father bought me a Nikon D5300 on my birthday. I was feeling ecstatic to get it and couldn’t wait to get some amazing clicks. So, I immediately made a plan with some of my friends to go to the mountains.
Yes, as you can see, going to the mountains ignited the desire to capture photos when I was young. Hence, an inner urge was there to capture the mountains first and foremost with the camera.
Throughout the journey, I almost never left the camera alone. Don’t laugh. It is my life, my baby, you see! But were those early photos remarkable? No, they were not, yet great for me. Those photos ignite in me the hunger to learn more.
Finding Inspirations From World Famous Photographers
After I came back from the mountains, I started following almost all the famous photographers on Instagram and YouTube. I learned a lot about various gears, how they add to the work.
Of course, you probably had heard about Peter Mckinnon. The first video I saw was the one that got viral on YouTube, “8 Camera HACKS in 90 SECONDS!!” It blew my mind. The hacks were simple, and all those items can be found in our homes.
After that, I hit the subscribe button and have watched almost all of his videos. Besides him, I also watched the videos and photos of other photographers on YouTube like Sorelle Amore, Chris Hau, Abhimanyu Dalal, Jamie Fenn, Lizzie Pierce, Alen Palander, Sean Tucker, Saurav Sinha, etc.
Photography tales visual stories and fixates a memory in our mind. Therefore, in order to advance, I look up to various World Famous Photographers, Paul Nicklen (Wild-life photographer), Annie Leibovitz (Portrait Photographer), Steve McCurry (Portrait Photographer), Yousuf Karsh (Portrait Photographer), Jim Richardson, etc.
In order to start your own photography journey, you have to look for inspiration. It will give you a broader idea of what you have to work on. You will learn why your images don’t reflect what you want them to reflect.
You will start asking what makes their images speak and stand out among others. The exposure to others’ work will help you to identify techniques, skills, and expertise your craft will need.
Holding Myself Accountable From Now On
Their works mesmerized and inspired me to a great extent. Of course, I took a few photos while traveling to various places. But did those photos match my vision? Nope. I haven’t been able to find the missing link yet.
I realized that just looking at photos and videos and taking just a few shots here and there won’t help me to master the skills. There’s a need actually to practice them mindfully every time. Unless it is done like that, boxing all the knowledge I have acquired from my inspirations won’t bring fruition.
Of course, I have taken a few photos of different genres with different compositions. But did those photos match my vision? Nope. I haven’t figured out what genre of photography I love most. In order to find it, I am going on a journey of discovering my passion in a new light.
I am holding myself accountable to not only find my expertise but take you on a wonderful ride with me. Learning all the essentials of photography together and finding what style, genre, etc., suits our style.
Are you ready to be on a photographic journey with me to find yours? I will love to hear about your experience.
