{New} Photography Series: Week 1

I have been racking my brain on how I could share my love of photography with those in the Blog world (you!), so in addition to my regular Blog entries in which I share my photos, for the next several weeks I will also be writing a weekly Photography Series. The series is mostly based on the photography related questions that I have received since starting this blog and also to share what I've learned over the last decade or so about photography with those that might just be starting out or even those that have been doing this for a while. I'm no expert,and certainly not perfect so I'd love to learn from all of you as well! So, over the course of the next couple weeks, please feel free to share any knowledge, experience and tips that you may have in the comment section.


A Little Bit About Me:
Like so many Photographers, a passion for color, light, creativity and capturing those fleeting moments started at a young age. Many of my childhood memories involving my Grandfather are of him holding a camera and snapping away. Over the years my grandparents collected at least a hundred scrapbooks (though probably more) filled with pictures from their travels, dinner parties with friends and family moments. This would also likely explain why, even to this day, I almost always carry a camera with me, even if its just a point and shoot. My childhood memories are also filled with visits we would take to see a family friend who was a portrait photographer and had a studio in his home. My mom would take my sister and me there for photo sessions and I distinctly remember being much more interested in the "behind the scenes" stuff than actually getting my picture taken...much like this one (circa the early 1980's):




It was all so fascinating to me! However, I didn't actually start pursuing photography as a possible profession until after high school. For as long as I can remember, I've always had four true passions in my life that were pretty much the center of all I did: Photography, Animals, Children and Music.For a very long time, I thought that a profession that would allow me to engage in all four of my passions at the same time simply didn't exist. Until, that is, I started to dabble more in Photography. While in college and in my first year majoring in Veterinary Medicine, I had enough room in my class schedule to sign up for a Photography course. It was love at first frame! The class was designed before digital photography made it to mainstream middle America and was largely focused on us aspiring photographers learning how to develop our own photos in the darkroom. This truly gave me an appreciation for the entire process. This was the very first photo that I took and developed while taking that class:




We also learned the basics: apertures, shutter speeds, ISO, black & white film,the history of photography and study of well known photographers. Thus began my love with Ansel Adams. This is one of my many Ansel Adams favorites:






For me, the class was much more than getting a passing grade and gaining a couple more credits, it was an enriching learning experience in which I gained the confidence to know that this passion of mine was more than just a dream career I had written down on a list back in middle school, it was now a dream realized and something I knew I could actually pursue. I know that photography will always be a learning process, no matter how many years pass, but I am more than up for the challenge!




Sharing the Love:
When I purchased my first semi-pro digital camera, I kind of needed to refresh my memory about even just the basics of photography. Luckily, there were many resources available for me to dig into. In fact,they were so great that,to this day, I still visit all of these websites, forums and blogs.


Favorite Book(s):
Anything by Scott Kelby. He is a photography genius!



Favorite Blog:
The Pioneer Woman - Not only is she a fabulous photographer, but also a very gifted writer. Her Blog is filled with great photo tips, beautiful shots and fun photo assignments. Her blog is also filled with non-photography topics such as cooking, farm life antics and her adorable dog Charlie. I highly suggest checking out her Blog when you get a chance!



Favorite Photography Forums:
*Two Peas -Be sure to check out their "12 Weeks to Better Photos" thread!


*I Love Photography


*PhotoForum.com


Places to Check Out Other Photogs Work:
Not only is Flickr a great place to look at other Photographer's work (hobbyists or pros), but its also a terrific place for you to share your work with others. Be sure to check out the "Explore" page while you are there too!


That's all for now, but keep checking back because I will be adding more favorite links in upcoming entries in this series.

Next Week...."Practice, Practice, Practice"