2012 - Nikon Coolpix Camera |
It's been a journey since I've started learning photography. I took an interest in it back in 2012 when all I had was a blue Nikon Coolpix Camera. But I wanted to take great pictures so I used my sister as a model and took tons of pictures with that camera. I also loved filters because I didn't know how to edit to save my life! lol
2013 - Nikon D3200
Because I loved it so much my parents finally ordered me my first DSLR for Christmas, and I was so excited! The weeks leading up to receiving my new camera I studied tons of articles and watched hundreds of videos. Trying to soak up all the knowledge I could before I got my hands on the camera. I learned how to use manual settings before ever learning on the camera which helped me tremendously. After getting the camera I immediately got a 50mm 1.8G because I wasn't satisfied with the kit and started shooting. That's when I learned I loved prime lenses!
I had taken my sisters senior pictures and immediately got requests to take her friends senior pictures. So that is when I started my photography business charging $20 and spending 2 hours shooting.(Of course I didn't know what I was doing business wise nor did I think I was at the place that I could charge more.)
*All these photos were edited with Lightroom only.
I had taken my sisters senior pictures and immediately got requests to take her friends senior pictures. So that is when I started my photography business charging $20 and spending 2 hours shooting.(Of course I didn't know what I was doing business wise nor did I think I was at the place that I could charge more.)
*All these photos were edited with Lightroom only.
2014 - Nikon D7000
After much learning and feeling like I had outgrown the camera I decided to save up my money and get a used Nikon D7000. I fell in love with the many focus points and quality of the camera. And of course decided to upgrade my lenses, and get a 35mm 1.8G and a 85mm 1.8G. : ) I also rented a 70-200mm and 24-70mm for a brief time, and bought photoshop.
2015- Nikon D7000 & Dani Diamond
After a lot of learning, watching videos and reading about photography I started learning what I liked and didn't like taking pictures of. I really disliked shooting weddings and large family photos gave me major anxiety. I learned that I loved one on one portrait sessions and started booking models to shoot for fun. I also was mentored by my all time favorite photographer, Dani Diamond on retouching and toning my photos.
2015 & The D800
After awhile my D7000 wasn't cutting it anymore. The major backfocusing issues this camera gave me was such a headache. So I saved up and bought myself the D800. This camera is the most amazing thing I've ever shot with! The clarity, the colors and the dynamic range is so awesome.
Conclusion!
In all honesty I have come a long way and haven't always been able to work a camera. I studied my butt off and practiced day after day. I've compared myself to others and been discouraged, but I've also learned to develop a new outlook on my work. I love what I do, I love being creative and I love seeing where I've come from. If you are reading this and at the beginning stages of learning don't be discouraged. With a lot of hard work, dedication and passion you can take great pictures. I am still not done learning and growing. I have more to learn and I can't wait to see where I go from here. My favorite quote from my favorite photographer says this: "I wasn't born talented, I was born ambitious." Be ambitious and be passionate about your photography, and don't be afraid to ask questions. : )