When deciding what to photograph, I keep it simple. Generally, at home I photograph my cat because she is so playful and I am just such a cat person that its enjoyable to see her fascination with my camera. The way I photograph, its all about spontaneity. Photography is my outlet to be "in the moment". Although, I believe most people would think photography is their outlet for nostalgia. Sometimes photography is nostalgic too, however, it is when I photograph that I feel more present. Photography is the art form, for me, when I feel in control and that I can make up the rules. I think my photography skills are not half bad. Although, when it comes to a hobby you love, its all about improvement.
I started taking pictures as young as five. Who knows what the first picture I photographed was; it was something I was always fascinated by. There is a picture of me, when I was little, playing with a film camera. That picture of me is interesting because it innocently foreshadows an adventure in an art I feel comfortably inspired to express myself to my full potential. Inside the photo I may just be playing with the camera, however, the moment was captured inside a photograph which has a different meaning now that I look back on it. I obviously do not remember the moment that the photo was taken, although it is a special photo now that I am a photographer "pro".
I took a photography course during the summer before my junior year of high school. By then I had my own DSLR camera that I saved up for and got the confidence to learn more about how to use my camera. This course honed my skills in photography. I started to approach photography with a more stylistic approach rather than an attitude where I ask: "how do I even take photos?" Every class we would critique four or five photos of a project and give each other our input. The first time we critiqued each other’s photos, I was nervous. I felt uncomfortable having other people “judge” my photos. I thought that people would think my photos were weird or bad. Eventually, I learned I was among a kind group of people and I was in good company. We would artfully give feedback that would leave the artist intrigued and full of new perspectives.
Today, photography has helped me grow. When I argue I take into consideration other counterarguments, I have more perspectives, and work toward goals that make me into stronger person all because of photography. The reason why Instagram is one of my favorite apps is because it focuses solely because it focuses on photos. I even have a mug that looks as if it is a camera lens that I consider one of my many prized possessions. What can I say, I have an appreciation for life and an high spirited attitude because of my camera. Additionally, now I have more confidence about myself and what I create.
