Oh little me and the very bad haircut my Grandma Christine gave me…

I’ve been a photo nerd for a long time. The photo above is dorky, but I love it because I have a camera in my hand (I think I was about two years old). I’ve never thought of myself as an expert in photography, but I was recently going through old photos that I took and realized how far I’ve come…how much I’ve grown as a photographer and how I continue to learn more about the craft. I’m still surprised when people ask me photography or camera related questions that I can actually answer. You’d think by now I’d realize I’m a good “go-to” person for photography.

Ansel Adams in 1930 had been training to become a concert pianist while considering a career as a photographer. He decided, after seeing the photographs by Paul Strand, that “the camera, not the piano, would shape [his] destiny.” His mother and aunt both pleaded, “Do not give up the piano! The camera cannot express the human soul!” To which Adams replied, “The camera cannot, but the photographer can.” 

– Ansel Adams in Black & White Magazine for Collector of Fine Photography

When I decided to take photography seriously I was 13 years old. My grandma’s friend gave me a 35MM Minolta, which I still have…albeit on a shelf, it serves as a reminder of the discovery I made that summer. Photography isn’t just a passion, it is an extension of me. I cannot put into words what I feel when I hear the click of the shutter, or peer through the viewfinder at the subject at the end of the lens. I’m lost if I don’t have some form of a camera with me at all times. I am easily devastated if I miss a photo op moment.

That fantastic thing about photography is I’m constantly improving or learning new techniques (Like the year I spent exploring iPhoneography). I occasionally pick up a photog magazine to read up on the craft (what’s the latest camera, tips, equipment, etc.) and I visit Instagram to see what people are producing. Instagram can actually be really inspiring, which is important as a photographer. It’s like any creative outlet, you need a muse or inspiration to get things going.

Being a photographer is about being in the right place at the right time. For example, Ansel Adams would spend hours waiting for the light to be right before taking a photo, but sometimes he’d just drive by something and stop to capture it.

The serene subject is only about one hundred feet from the highway: I
have passed it hundreds of times, and I retain many “corner of the eye”
memories of it at all times of the year. The shapes were always beautiful,
but the lighting conditions usually were impossible. On this morning I
observed a situation I could not resist; a glance was enough to command
make me to stop, park the car,and carry my equipment to the scene.

– From The Ansel Adams Guide by Paul P. Schaefer

I’ve experienced both as well…the waiting game and the quick snapshot (accidental masterpieces are my favorite and are usually stemmed from the quick shots). The benefit of digital photography is I can take a thousand shots and decide later what lighting or angle I liked best. I sometimes wish I didn’t have that luxury, which is why I occasionally shoot with film.

Film really takes me back to the basics, which I love. For me, I pay more attention to my settings like aperture (f-stops) and shutter speed. I also take longer to choose my subject because I don’t want to waste the film. It can be more rewarding not instantly knowing if you captured your subject exactly how you envisioned.

In March, I made a trip to London see one of my best friends. I was exstatic to spend time with her, but some of the best moments of my trip were hanging out in the parks and public areas. Yes, I was probably a totally creeper but one of the joys of photography is people watching. Here’s a few of my favorites (I’m a fan of black and white):

     

     

     

I even journeyed to Bath and found some interesting subjects. The woman with the wrap was amazing and I wish I would’ve had the chance to speak more with her. I did make sure to tell her she was amazingly awesome and beautiful (I swear she glowed and oozed pure happiness).

     

To see more photos visit my Instagram or Flickr. I also have a Facebook page: Pictures on the Wall. Don’t be a stranger…hit the follow button. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Expert I am not, but photographer I am. I often shy away from titles, but being called a photographer is one I’ve more easily accepted. I hope to share more of my work with you as well as some photog tips in future posts.

Until next time.

-AM