How I Got Started
I have always loved nature and I feel a sense of belonging whenever I ‘m outside. This is why I majored in Biology (yup that's right I'm a Biologist), and I hope that some day I may find a career will allow me to work outside as much as possible.
In high school I was socially awkward knowing full well that I did not belong. I was far from typical, instead of partying away my weekends, I would happily paddle around in my canoe or climb a tree and read a book at my parents cottage. I felt at ease, and at peace being away from that world, that world being the chaos of high school and the drama that goes with it, which I tried to avoid as much as possible. Graduation could not come quickly enough.
Through my many years at university I tried to take as many field courses that I could. They took place outside and away from the traditional classroom and more importantly away from the city. I learned many things that you would not be able to learn in a classroom setting. The most important of these lessons is to watch where you’re stepping because wasps are stupid and make their nest on the ground and if you step on it ….
Anyways it was during one of these courses that made me realise that not only did I love the great outdoors but I also love taking photos of it, capturing the world the way that I see it; small insects and tiny flowers and the vast landscapes that most people would overlook because they are too busy to appreciate these small wonders. These days most people tend to overlook the small things because they are too busy looking at their phones; so many amazing things are missed if one doesn’t look up once in a while.
And that’s how it began…
I bought my first DSLR just over 3 years ago. I was going to Africa and decided that an expensive trip deserves an expensive camera. Prior to that I had no experience in photography except with my little Olympus point and shoot digital camera, and although it took good pictures (especially macro shots) I wanted something better. That is how I came into possession of a Canon Rebel xs – my first DSLR (they don’t even make these anymore).
Of course I had time to play with my new toy before my big trip, but it wasn’t enough, and when I got to Africa and started taking photos, it dawned on me, I HAVE NO IDEAD WHAT I’M DOING! Some of my photos came out half decent. As the weeks rolled by (rather quickly) I did notice an improvement from the start to the end of the trip, but I wanted to learn more about this type of photography and have more control on the outcome of the photos.
This started my ongoing research about different techniques and learning a whole new language about aperture, shutter spear, ISO and composition. There is still so much to learn but I am defiantly improving and every time I go out I apply what I have learned and read and notice improvements. Not every photo taken is “Aces” but sometimes the flaws can still make for an interesting photo.
“Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst.”
― Henri Cartier-Bresson
I believe I’m more than halfway there.
In high school I was socially awkward knowing full well that I did not belong. I was far from typical, instead of partying away my weekends, I would happily paddle around in my canoe or climb a tree and read a book at my parents cottage. I felt at ease, and at peace being away from that world, that world being the chaos of high school and the drama that goes with it, which I tried to avoid as much as possible. Graduation could not come quickly enough.
Through my many years at university I tried to take as many field courses that I could. They took place outside and away from the traditional classroom and more importantly away from the city. I learned many things that you would not be able to learn in a classroom setting. The most important of these lessons is to watch where you’re stepping because wasps are stupid and make their nest on the ground and if you step on it ….
Anyways it was during one of these courses that made me realise that not only did I love the great outdoors but I also love taking photos of it, capturing the world the way that I see it; small insects and tiny flowers and the vast landscapes that most people would overlook because they are too busy to appreciate these small wonders. These days most people tend to overlook the small things because they are too busy looking at their phones; so many amazing things are missed if one doesn’t look up once in a while.
And that’s how it began…
I bought my first DSLR just over 3 years ago. I was going to Africa and decided that an expensive trip deserves an expensive camera. Prior to that I had no experience in photography except with my little Olympus point and shoot digital camera, and although it took good pictures (especially macro shots) I wanted something better. That is how I came into possession of a Canon Rebel xs – my first DSLR (they don’t even make these anymore).
Of course I had time to play with my new toy before my big trip, but it wasn’t enough, and when I got to Africa and started taking photos, it dawned on me, I HAVE NO IDEAD WHAT I’M DOING! Some of my photos came out half decent. As the weeks rolled by (rather quickly) I did notice an improvement from the start to the end of the trip, but I wanted to learn more about this type of photography and have more control on the outcome of the photos.
This started my ongoing research about different techniques and learning a whole new language about aperture, shutter spear, ISO and composition. There is still so much to learn but I am defiantly improving and every time I go out I apply what I have learned and read and notice improvements. Not every photo taken is “Aces” but sometimes the flaws can still make for an interesting photo.
“Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst.”
― Henri Cartier-Bresson
I believe I’m more than halfway there.