I'm entering into the 3rd year of my journey into photography. Just penning my thoughts about that journey down, on this romantic Valentines day.
Year 1
In my 1st year, it was all about the equipment - Nikon or Canon (no, it doesn't really matter), zoom or prime lenses (I got both), UV filters or not (I decided to go without), which tripod - and how to use them.
I consumed a lot of information on the web, magazines, books - about how to use the camera, the tools.I experimented with various things like HDR, "Brenizar" method, Light painting, "Time-Slice", ND filters etc. But the best tool I learnt was using Lightroom, and besides ND filters (which I still love using), I've pretty much ditched using them for the sake of using them.
Year 2
I came across the website Pixoto, and had a lot of fun uploading my pictures, and seeing how they fared against others. I loved the almost instant "feedback", and gave me lots of examples of great work, ideas on how to get great shots. It gives out a lot of "awards" too, from best (from top 20% to top 10) of the day/week/month/year - and out of sheer vanity, I linked Pixoto to my facebook account. Getting good feedback, and likes, is addictive.
I also got to shoot 2 weddings, and 1 "unofficial" portrait session - they were stressful, but great fun and learning opportunities.I finally took the plunge and got my full frame camera, then had my computer crash and lost the last 5 months worth of photographs in 2012. I also ran a workshop for some photo enthusiast from my church, which I think went alright.
And I've really learned how to handle my own camera, esp when I struggled during the 1st weeding shoot - I got down and tried to learn everything about the camera, so that I know exactly what settings to use, for what purposes.
Year 3
As I enter the 3rd year, I've realized that I've come a long way since I started. Ironically, as I have improved technically, my own "standards" have raised, and not so easy for me to be "impressed" by my own photography. I seem to get less "wow" shots, and sometimes, I shoot less - as I realize that I won't be able to get a good shot.
I now know that I have absolutely no interest in macro photography, photos of
flowers/nature stuff, using photoshop (so far), funny filters (which I
did when I shot with iphone) and gimmicky photography.
I do like a great cityscape/landscape, and shooting what I eat, and would love to hunt for the holy grail of mastering light - both natural, as well as learning how to master the use of the flash. And I've found myself drawn to - is photo journalism. I love shooting events as they unfold, and if in "another life", I'd love to be a conflict photographer, shoot for a newspaper covering events. I love shooting people, I want pictures that show emotion, that draws you into the picture and forces an emotion out of you.
Back to equipment, I love the tools I have now. I am absolutely loving the D600 camera (ISO, dynamic range, and functionality of it). My 24-70 lens is a bit stiff, suffering the wear and tear & prob needs a bit of repair - but it is the perfect match. I also love the 50 f1.4 prime, and whip out the 80-200 when I need the distance or shooting sports. And it is much less about getting equipment now. I've been flirting with getting a nice Carl Zeiss 21mm lens for wide angle landscape, but that's a $2k lens which can wait.
It's been a wonderful journey - I am much more focused now. I hope my desire to learn doesn't stop, as a result. And I hope that I can be using my "hobby" not just to "gain glory for myself" but in more useful/beneficial ways of helping others. Let's see.
