When I started photography
As a beginner
When I discovered the passion I had with photography some time ago. I was determent to buy a camera and start photography.
I bought my first camera in 2012, the canon 1200D along with the 18-55mm lens. As a beginner I had no clue regarding my camera gear, photography rules and how to set my composition.
I was out all day taking photos of everything. I use to watch many tutorials on Youtube for hours for some time.
I managed to learn a few things about my camera and one of the things I kept was to always shoot in manual mode. The reason I learned to shoot in manual mode is as a beginner its a must that you learn how to set your camera settings accordingly.
You need to learn how to set your exposure, aperture and shutter speed. Any photographer needs to master those three elements to capture a good image. From my experience you will need a lot of practice to nail it.
A few months after I bought my camera I started photography lessons with a local photographer that I love and admire he’s work.
Mr Larko is a photographer with over 55 years of experience. Thanks to him I learned a lot. What I really liked about Larko is that we would go on trips every weekends to shoot landscapes, portraits, architecture and long exposure shots.
After finishing my lessons I was ready to turn my hobby into work. Even though I didn’t have a professional camera gear I would take opportunities.
My first photography job
A friend knew that I had a camera and asked me if I could go as there photographer at a baptism event of he’s nephew.
I was terrified at the beginning because I had NO idea on what to do as an event photographer. My gear was not good, I had no lightings for the church and especially no experience whatsoever.
At that point I told her that I was willing to take the job but didn’t want money for the job. The reason why I didn’t want to get paid was the fact that I didn’t know if I would do a good job.
When I returned home I was searching to buy a new lens for better low light situations and a flashlight. I bought the cannon 50mm prime lens with f 1.8 and a flashlight. I stared practicing the flashlight along with my new lens in low light.
Baptism day:
When I arrived at the church I was so nervous and scared that I wouldn’t get the job done. Not along after the everyone arrived and all I could remember is me pressing on the camera shutter non stop.
We finished in church and then continued at the venue. The family where so thankful that I didn’t charge for my services and asked me If I could show them a few photos. After showing them a few nice ones they looked happy so was i.
After a long day I returned back home and the first thing I did was to upload my photos on my iPad to see what i’ve done. I was contentment to see that my photos where satisfying.
What I have learned after this event is that a good camera gear will make the photographers job much easier. That doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to take good images with a cheaper kit. Even if you have the best gear but you don’t know the basics then you won’t have good results.
If you love and appreciate the art of photography like I do then go grab your camera and start shooting. The wold is beautiful but we as photographers can make it look stunning.
