It’s been said, that you always remember your first. Your first kiss, your first love, but what about your first photo session? I remember my first, my first senior Sunday. Where it all began.
While it may be boring for some, for me, it was the start of an incredible future in the world of photography and film. Like all stories, there has to be a beginning, so let me start there and I’ll let you in on a secret that changed my life.
When I was young boy, not much taller than I am to day (yes, I made a short statement) I always found myself with a camera in my hand. I remember vividly my very first camera being a Fuji film camera. The one where you take a photo, flash is always on, had to wind it up and when it was full, turn the whole camera in and wait. Wait for what seemed like an eternity just to find out if the 25 photos you took were ever worth keeping. While I was writing this blog, I was able to dig up my very first few photos. Don’t judge me to hard now. I know, I was just getting started.
Fast forward to my 8th grade year, I was asked to take a family members senior photos. Why? Well anyone who grows up with a camera in their hands are bound to become photographers and don’t cost an arm and a leg to hire. In preparation for this big “first” gig, I wanted to be informed as much as I can. I rented several books over topics of shooting your first photo, understanding ISO, shutter speed, aperture and operating a camera. Took several practice sessions of random objects around the house and outside wildlife since I was planning on having the photoshoot outside, I wanted to be prepared for anything. Several weeks went by and the photoshoot came and went, and it felt so good! Not only because it was over, but the end results turned out better than I could have expected. The family member was happy about the results and I had my first photos for my growing portfolio. From there, it turned into continuing to have random photoshoots with college friends, other family members, and anything else I found interesting to photograph.
While I don’t like giving myself compliments, I am grateful to look back at where I started and where I have landed. This is not the end, but only the beginning of a journey to capture memories that will last a lifetime.
