Am I a Photographer?

angeljames (57)in #photography • 8 years ago (edited)

Am I a Photographer?

I never really thought of myself, a photographer. I just love taking pictures. I love to tell stories thru pictures. I just happen to see things from a different angle. I also find that good photos can really pull you into their world. I never went to any course or classes on taking pictures. I learned everything on my own. Based on my experience and by practicing. I also love watching other photos that people took to learn the feeling and maybe the techniques. I don't really care about the techniques but with the proper techniques, it is hard to get a good shot.

^{My first camera. Sony a200.}

After SPM, I stayed in JB for some times. I started using my older sister's digital camera and make a mini studio for my niece, which was still a baby at that time. I start taking photos of her, then my sister, and my mum. Basically, every one around me at that time. At the end of the day, I realized how much I wanted a DSLR. I wanted to be a photographer. Maybe they love my photos, or maybe I'm a good daughter, my mum eventually bought a second-hand DSLR for me. I loved it so much, that I brought with me, everywhere I go.

^{First self portrait and photo manipulation I did so long ago}

At one point in my life, I was so crazy into self-portraiture. I wanted to create a world that is so unique and fairy tale-ish. I began learning photo manipulation. Why self-portrait? I was too timid about asking other people's help to be my model, so I only use myself as the subject. I set up the tripod and put the camera on timer and ran as fast as I could, hoping to get good shots of myself. Those days, the word "selfie" has not been invented yet.

^{BBTA's Syazwan}

When I was in a band BBTA, I started to experimenting taking photos of other people. My band members especially. I even got addicted playing slow shutter in one point in my life. I still think those photos are great. I love lights. So when I can combine lights and images, I was very happy. Light trails, light bokeh, and even light flare. I love it. I starting to take good photos and those photos that was in need of editing. I learned about lighting, aperture, shutter speed and so on. I even started learning about speed-lights.

Then when I finally understood photography (a little more), I took more decent photos. Maybe I matured or maybe I'm at the age where I no longer wanted photo manipulation but photos that are genuinely beautiful and meaningful. I try to just touch up photos and not manipulate them, unless I needed to. I try to take photos that needed the least editing. But even when I'm at this point, I still wouldn't call myself a professional photographer. I am still learning . All I do know is too catch what I see is beautiful and worth to tell the story.

^{Alexis, my niece}

^{Somewhere back in 2014 maybe}

^{Night is coming}

^{Oh Chentaku Rockaway KK Takeover}

^{Me Gusta Escapist Notion 3}

At the end of the day. I notice that I love taking photos of people. Doing what they do best. My first camera, the Sony a200 is still around but need some fixing. I have a new camera that I'm aiming for right now. I wish I can quickly get the budget and back to taking photos.

Well, thank you for reading my entry for today. Have a great weekend!