PrairieView Class of 2013: Amateur

My love affair with photography began when I was a child. It started when my mom let me play with an old camera of hers. Immediately, I began saving my allowance and purchased my first camera when I was six years old.

Photography has always been something I wanted to pursue, but I managed to talk myself out of it for years. I had heard from so many people that photographers don’t make any money. So off I went (with my camera in hand) and enrolled in other post secondary schools. Stressed out, I spent the entire summer up in Northern Manitoba. Out there, I was fortunate to rediscover my passion for photography (and just how strong it was!) and when I came home, I knew that I needed to enrol. When asked to submit a portfolio, I didn’t know if my photographs would measure up.

Fast forward over the first few months of being a PV student. I am confident in my camera techniques. I understand how the DSLR works, how to recognize good lighting and how important it is. I’ve learned the importance of aperture, shutter speeds, and how to direct my focus. I’ve learned the rule of thirds, and why subject placement is so important in a photograph. I’ve learned to see beyond what is obviously in front of me, and actually take the time to discover places. I have a new perception of everything I see. When I hold my camera now, I feel unstoppable. It’s like the possibilities just continue to grow every time I click my shutter button.

One of my “a-ha!” moments was in Image Capture. This may sound silly, but it was when Ross taught us about all the specs that are on a lens, and what they mean. For me, that lesson pieced together everything else we learned in Image Capture. Aperture made sense, and I finally understood what my lens was capable of. I didn’t realize how important a lens could be! I’ve since gone out and purchased a fixed 50mm f 1.8. Which from what I hear, I’m sure is the beginning of a new addiction to lens. Another moment for me was when I saw my first image develop in the darkroom. The possibilities at that moment were just endless! I look back to my first photograph from the darkroom now, and I think it needs contrast, some dogding and burning and a different crop. But it is still exciting everytime a picture appears on that paper.

Film Photography - Aircrafts at the Winnipeg Aviation Museum Grounds.

So where do I want to be when I’m done school? After listening to Craig in class the other day, I’m not entirely sure now! I took a lot away from his speech in our Industry Studies class, and I feel a new sense of motivation and excitement. I just want to photograph everything I possibly can! So going forward, where I want to be is partially where I already am, an “Amateur.” Craig taught us (and I double checked!) that the root of the word amateur comes from “love” and that’s a part of photography that I don’t want to lose. I remind myself that I may never be the best photographer out there, but I will be the best that I can be.

Shelby - on a self assigned field trip we took to Headingly, MB.

My goal when I entered school was to take photographs that make people happy, or evoke some kind of joy in them, and I wanted to be able to show people things that not everyone has the opportunity to experience. I’m confident that I will do this, though my directions may have changed (and they might change again!) I have a love of people, and I think that will benefit me in the wedding industry. I also enjoy portraits, and working with families. It’s possible that I will tap into some commercial, and possibly even some landscapes and travel photography for my own personal images.. I’m going to keep my doors open, and go full force!