The first time I really started using a camera was to make music videos in middle school. No matter how childish and cringe-worthy they are looking back now, I can't help but feel nostalgic. I would get so excited to create something that other people would see, and spent hours filming and editing the YouTube videos for my own channel, which had 150 subscribers at its peak. My camera was a little, silver compact Canon that would now be sold on Ebay for about 10 dollars. To me, it was the best piece of equipment I owned, even compared to my Nintendo DS, which is saying a lot. Eventually I grew out of this video-making hobby, and my little camera was pretty much left to gather dust. Except for trips with the family and the occasional photo shoot with friends, my photography was rare.

About my freshman year in high school, I received a Canon EOS Rebel t3i for my birthday. Being a DSLR camera, it gave me my first real experience playing around with exposure, aperture, and focus. Needless to say, this camera pushed me back into the world of photography. I brought it with me everywhere and took pictures of anything there was in my surroundings. Suddenly, I could make the average cluster of trees in my backyard look like a mysterious forest. I could capture moments of happiness among my friends and family that would other wise go unnoticed. Because of my ability to take beautiful pictures, photography acted as my super power. I could stop time for a few seconds and secure certain moments of my life and the lives of others.

Over the past few years, I have collected additional equipment for my Canon that allow me to take even more versatile photos. To add to my camera collection, I received a Pentax K100 film camera from my boyfriend during Christmas of 2015. Using film further enhanced my understanding of what the process of photography really is, and I can truly say it increased my appreciation for each individual photo. This is one way in which my perspective has changed; I now really understand that behind every image is a process and a story. I believe photography is an art form, but what makes it different from others is that anybody can be a photographer from the moment they pick up a camera. Naturally, like any other type of hobby or career, it takes time and practice to really become skilled. But there are times when some of the best photos come from somebody who simply snapped a photo with their phone. This is because of the context a photo can hold. I always appreciate crisp quality in an image, but I appreciate even more the existence of such a widespread ability to share stories.

I always tell people that I like being the person behind the camera instead of in front. For me, it's as if looking through the viewfinder gives me a new glimpse of the world, creating an alternate reality. I have the power to control what others may see in the future. Light can be manipulated, certain things can be hidden from sight, and the reality of my surroundings can be altered to fit what I want. Truthfully, I feel pressured to expose as much as I can through the photos I take. This does not always imply a bad form of exposure. For example, I enjoy capturing people in their true states; complete joy, frustration, or wonder for example. Through the images of others, I have been able to feel the powerful effect these types of images hold. My perspective of the world can change in a second because of a single photograph that conveys information or experiences previously unknown to me. Throughout my own life, I have tried to use photography for this purpose; to broaden the perspectives of others. I have been fortunate enough to travel a great amount, and these are the times when I capture some of my greatest photos. I am able to place focus on cultures, traditions, and struggles found in different parts of the world, and I hope to use my passion for doing so throughout the remainder of my life.

Photography does not always have to be such a responsibility, however. Some of my immense personal happiness comes from simply taking pictures of loved ones in their "natural habitat" (and this undoubtably includes my cats). Also, it is extremely important to still take part in the moment instead of hiding behind the camera; there is a difference between being a photographer and detaching oneself from reality. This is extremely relevant for outdoor photography. I have learned that during times when I was rushing to take photos of an animal or some kind of natural event, I would look back and wish I had been watching with my own eyes.

In the end, there is no doubt that photography is timeless. Whether it be through film or simply pushing a button, photographs have the power to bring us back in time to a different moment , even if it is not a part of our own life. I recommend truly paying attention to how different pictures make you feel and react, and I guarentee your perspective may grow too.