How I first learned Photography.

Remember how I said that I’m now following some self-imposed rules of waking up early? Well, I’m proud to report that I survived my 1st week. 🙂 You’re probably thinking I won’t survive longer, huh? Well, guess what? I’ll just keep on trying even if I fail again and again.

Like how I first learned (and still learning) photography. Many have asked, “Did you take a course to study photography?”

Well, I wished I did but I couldn’t take any course or any workshop for that matter because I honestly couldn’t afford yet, so I self-studied from the first time I got hold of my first dslr in Feb 2009. I know how excruciating it can be sometimes to read manuals, right? But I attempted to read the camera’s manual at least so I know which buttons to press. Although, to be honest, even until now, there are camera settings that’s unfamiliar to me. Hehe. By the way, if you don’t know which camera or lenses to buy first, you can read what’s currently in my bag as a reference.

So now you have your camera and let’s say you did read the manual, what’s next? You’re probably soaked with all that thrill and can’t wait to go out and shoot. Or probably confuse how or where or what to actually begin shooting at. 😛

Here are few references I journeyed on that may hopefully be helpful to you too:
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JPGMAG.com
My friend Sheila introduced me to this site in Jan 2009 so I signed up, after all it was free. They used to post different theme challenges and anyone can just post their own entry. I wasn’t aiming to win anything there though, it was a great hub for me to learn from the other photographers and how they come up with their own styles. Although I didn’t stay longer on that site but it was there that I learned about doing a Project 365. My old JPGmag account was here.

Flickr.com
Flickr tells you I signed up last Aug 2005 but I only get to upload some real stuff since Jan 30, 2009 when I officially started a Project 365  — if you’re not familiar with that, it’s sort of a daily visual diary project where you need to take your best photo and upload one day at a time! (looking back at those shots I took before makes me wanna hide myself under the sheets now :P) It sounded simple but I spared time to really practice everyday and it was the best challenge I had fun doing and learning because it pushed my creativity (or vanity to some haha) in different perspectives, played with different light conditions and came up with different concepts. Did I get to finish the 365? Uhmm, well, I didn’t. Life happened in between and I stopped at Day 130. Boo! But absolutely with no regrets. Each day meant to me and it helped shaped how I wanted my photography style to be like what it is today.

My Flickr account is still active if you wish to add me. I’ve not been posting updates there sadly 🙁 but I take random peeks to everyone’s stream from time to time. It’s a really fun & supportive community so I hope you find your way there to meet great photographers and friends like I did. 🙂

Digital Photography School.com
I read randomnly from this site whenever there was any topic that came interesting for me. It’s a great online reference compared to buying books when someone like me still couldn’t afford that time when I started.

RocknRollBride.com
I talked about RocknRollbride more here because it deserved it’s own page in my blog. I simply love this site! I know I’ve said that countless times! It’s overwhelming to see lots of inspiration there especially on non-conventional & extra ordinary type of real weddings! I happened to love anything that transcends the norms!

There’s probably other better ways for you to start learning but this was how I took my path. And if I have to just summed up how I first learned photography, I’ll come up with three words I got from others too: PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE. 🙂 I know how it may feel frustrating sometimes that you wanted so much to learn things right away but there are no short cuts. Other photographer’s works may inspire you so much but you got to create your own path. And then eventually, you’ll find that certain style you want to stick on that really speaks of who you are as photographer and what matters most is at the end of the day, you love what you’re doing.

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That’s it for now. If you have anything you want to ask me relating to this post (or anything else photography related), feel free to email or drop me a comment here.  I’ll do my best to come up with another helpful FAQ post next time. 🙂

But if this post bored you though, here’s some kitkat. 😛 Happy Monday!!!
Photo taken with 85mm 1.8 @ f2, ISO 200, no flash, D700 (Thanks to a friend who brought these macha-flavored-kitkat from his recent trip in Japan!)