One More Way To Express Myself?! s-w-e-e-t
How I found photography as a teenager
My heart belongs to photography, and like so many photographers...it happened serendipitously. Freshman year in high school was ending and I was passionate about science. I wanted to become a marine biologist because of my love for the ocean and marine animals. My mom and aunt worked in the science field but were interested in starting a photography business. They would take portraits of all of us kids and we loved it. I needed an elective class for my sophomore year and decided to take photography so I could gather free information for my mom and my aunt. Little did I know that I would be hooked for life.
I remember vividly, our first prints we made (photograms) in the darkroom. It was absolute magic watching images appear in these liquid filled trays. And photography, especially that first year, was challenging. I wasn't very good at first, and was shocked getting low and average marks on assignments. Looking back, part of it was me making every assignment extra difficult. Pinhole photographs was a perfect example.
Our teacher instructed us to find cardboard boxes and gave us a tip that oatmeal boxes were ideal. I rejected the idea of anything other than a perfect cube box. I couldn’t find the cube box of my dreams, so I made one. So many light leaks in that “perfect” box. It took me days to fully seal all the light leaks and actually make a decent exposure. But the joy I got from overcoming the challenges I set for myself reinforced my love for photography.
It’s been almost 20 years, and I still have this undying passion for photography. Part of that passion is because photography is always changing and evolving. There is so much to learn and it’s impossible to know everything in this field. Combining that aspect with the love of challenging myself, and I find photography as an endless source of joy and adventure. Burke Uzzle said it best, “Photography is a love affair with life.”
I graduate this May with a BFA in... Photography! ^_^
May 18th I graduate from CSUEB!
Finishing college has taken some time while raising my daughter, but I definitely think it's been better this way. I really appreciate my education in all the different skills, classes and experiences I've had. When I was younger, I only thought about different techniques in photography and very little to conveying a deeper message. Now, I plan series with a concept. More good news, I got accepted into the teaching credential program! Soon I'll be a high school photography teacher! I can't wait to share the magic of photography with high schoolers. It was life changing for me. :)
To edit, or not to edit. That is the question....
Like many photographers, I've struggled with trying to be the full package in any and all ways I can think of. This includes editing. It isn't my strong suit but I can do some basic things. But about a year or so ago, I really started considering paying someone to do the post production for me. Why? Because I naturally slow down doing it, over analyze every detail, my hands hurt from doing too much in one day (last minute stuff usually) and from not knowing better techniques (so it takes me twice as long or more than someone with the knowledge and experience.) So when my friend offered her experience, I jumped at the chance. Hopefully things work out and she can be my go-to editor. If not, the search will continue. Because me thinking I'm not a "real photographer" by not doing my own post production is a silly and counter productive thought. By the way, I should mention that I assisted a wedding photographer who rented her lenses, and sent out for post production. And it didn't make her any less of a photographer. :) Sometimes our pride and crazy thoughts hold us back, but are clear when projected onto someone else.
This hummingbird is laying eggs!
Updating everything in my life, and thank goodness my website is on the top of that list! I feel like I just laid a couple of eggs! Deleted a lot of old albums and now it feels a lot cleaner and easier to navigate. I decided all customer albums will stay up for 3 months. There will be lots being added online: new products, new images, new blogs, and sample backgrounds and locations. :) I got lots more eggs to lay. LoL
Love 9 Ups
Had a blast with my man at Pick N Pull today. :) Got some awesome ideas on how to personalize and enhance portraits. Doesn't get any better. :)