my life with photography - part 1

A couple months ago I mentioned that I would like to start doing posts with photoshop tips in them. I only had one person respond that they would like that, but since then I have had a couple more people express interest. So at the risk of feeling like a copy-cat, since Rachel just posted on this very topic, I am writing this post about my photo experiences sort of as a (hopeful) intro to many more photo-taking and photoshop tips.

This is going to be a two-part post. This post is just going to be some background to my life with photography... i didn't want to write too much all at once and bore you to tears. Although, if you're bored, then I guess you shouldn't be reading this? just a thought, HA!

So without further adu, let's go!


Q: How and when did you get interested in photography?

I have had a serious love for photography since I was about 15. My dad had an old Minolta SLR that I messed around with. I did a few art projects with it, and for my senior art show most of my pieces were photos that I had taken. *I won first place in that art show* :) seriously one of my proudest moments in life... so far

When I was 17, I decided that I wanted to get more serious about photography and possibly make it into a career. Since I was a senior I was looking at different options. A really great opportunity to work for a professional photographer opened up and I was able to work under this guy for a year and a half. I attribute much of my learning how to compose and my technical knowledge to him and his guidance.

My life with photoshop also began that year. He switched from film to digital my second summer... and I was in charge of the output and production. The learning curve was ridiculous, but I seriously loved it and had SO MUCH fun learning and doing everything.

After my time there ended I moved along and decided that I didn't necessarily want to take photography on as a profession at that point and started school. I bought my camera shortly before I began community college and used it all throughout to do my design and photography classes.

Somehow, my photography has continuously taken a backburner in my life... up until I started this blog.

I didn't intend for this to be a place to show off my work or anything like that. But it turned into a place where I knew I could share what I did and other people could appreciate it. Plus seeing other blogs like Andrea, Rachel, Kim and Britney i was totally inspired to keep taking pictures, and trying to make them better!

While I was in Mexico, I had numerous problems with my camera. It actually stopped taking pictures at two different points and would turn on and off randomly (on a full charge). It will take anywhere from 5-15 seconds to process one shot... I've discovered that I'm definitely at the point where I am using my camera to its maximum potential and it's TIME FOR AN UPGRADE!

I decided about 2 years ago that I wouldn't even allow myself to think about new camera equipment until I knew EXACTLY what i wanted and needed AND I was using what I had to the point where it was no longer giving me what I wanted. My goal in taking pictures has been to get so good at using the camera that it feels like an extension of my arm. I didn't think that would ever happen... but it has.

So in doing some research, I have decided that my next conquest (in the camera dept :) is going to probably be the Canon 5D. I may change my mind between now and the time I actually get it, but so far, this is what I want.


Come back Tuesday for my actual photo advice. I only had one specific question on my last post aobut this, so I'm making up questions to answer. But if you have any, leave them here now and I will include them.