Becoming a Photographer
Posted by Amanda on 11/10/08 in Daily Life, Photography, Why I'm Weird
This semester, I’ve been in a basic photography class, where we shoot on film and develop and print all our own photos in the darkroom. After the first day, I got the hang of developing and printing down quickly. I know when I need to burn down some light spots, dodge some dark ones, or expose for a few more seconds. I’ve become an automaton when developing, to the point where I don’t even think about what I’m doing anymore. Because of this, I’ve been making decent prints and getting good grades.
But I haven’t felt like a photographer. I haven’t loved any of my pictures, and I’ve pretty much just been printing the photos that best meet the requirements of the assignment. While others struggled with their prints and worked hours after I turned my prints in, I actually envied them, because their photos captured these amazing moments. They were interesting and exciting, and I almost stole a few to frame and hang in my room to look artsy. I felt like a lab technician around a bunch of creatives.
Today, though, I started printing my photos for my final project: a five photo story about any event – I photographed my five-year-old cousin’s soccer game on Saturday. Looking at my pictures today, I finally saw it. I finally saw interesting, exciting pictures – pictures I would have envied someone else for taking – pictures where you forget someone is behind the camera. While they aren’t masterpieces, I can see that I am getting better, and I’m proud of myself for finally advancing at the part of photography that doesn’t require just being technically smart.
Now if I can only convince someone to give me a DSLR so I can keep getting better….a Nikon D90, perhaps?
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That is an amazing photo.
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I suddenly miss the photography classes I took freshman year … of high school. At OWU you have to take the basic 2D art class in order to take photography. Because my school is uber lame.
First, I LOVE that photo you shared. Awesome!
Second, I took b&w photography lessons when I was in high school. I think learning the techniques to developing film made me an infinitely better photographer, even in this modern day of digital!
Third, my husband recently gifted me the Nikon D90 as a wedding present. The camera is amazing, even if it does scare the crap out of me.
Fourth (and most importantly), I think the day we stop admiring other photographers work is the day we start to go downhill. So long as you are still learning and growing and improving, you are continuing to become a better photographer. Even the best can still learn more!
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I want a DSLR SO bad.
I love that photo!
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As the son of a professional photographer, I must say that is a damn sweet picture there. I’d love to see the rest of your prints some time, see what else you’ve got.
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