A New Beginning

Today started a new page in my photography career. While sitting at my desk editing pictures from work, I realized that the only thing that consistently keeps me happy and relaxed is being behind the camera. So today, I put myself in front of the camera. I decided that I didn't care how embarrassing it was to go to a public park with a tripod and a light on a stand, just to get a few photos of myself, not only to have a few updated photos for Facebook, but also to give myself some practice using the Norman 400B flash loaned to me by my employer. Even though it was just me, my camera, and the Norman; that was all I needed to have a relaxing time in the park.

This shoot, as it pertained to my photography, and my career as a photographer, was a useful learning experience for me. I am not used to being in front of the camera for serious pictures. Even though I was the photographer, today allowed me to experience first hand the stress, and insecurities of being photographed. Another problem I had was getting the focus to just the right point even though my subject(myself) was not there for me to focus on. I combated this by using a spare light stand as my 'stunt double' and focusing on it, then removing it, and trying to get into a position that put my face at that focus point. Regardless of these issues, I still got some shots of myself that I am proud to share with my family and friends. You can see the rest of the shots from today here

As for this blog, I am starting it as somewhat of a diary of my adventures in bettering myself as a photographer, and as a pseudo portfolio for myself, and others to look at and watch me grow in my career as a photographer. Recently, I have been keeping up with quite a few photographers blogs including; David Hobby, Joe McNally, and Zack Arias. I had the idea the other day 'instead of spending all of my time reading other people's blogs, why not go out and shoot, and write my own?' Not only will this be something to kill time, but I feel that it will motivate me to become a better, and more dedicated photographer. I look forward to continuing to update this blog, and sharing it with everyone I can.