Konstantin's Adventures

Less than a month ago I expressed zero outward interest towards the art of photography. I owned a point and shoot, but that was more out of necessity (for touristy shots) than anything else. I thought that SLRs and DSLRs were way overpriced and were absolutely unnecessary.

Now, I own a DSLR and a SLR. What’s changed in the last 30 days?

For me, it started with the desire to find a constructive hobby, a process of deduction really. I enjoy working on motorcycles and cars, but I’m living in New York and lack both. Not really good at quilting or sewing, so that was out. I am drawn to pretty colors and shiny things, but numismatics (coin collecting) is really boring. So what’s left? I can’t really draw or paint (too analytical for that). It seemed that photography was really the only constructive hobby left.

I talked to one of my roommates who owns a DSLR and I was instantly bit by the bug. I spent countless hours researching, reading, searching the web, etc. until I finally committed to an impulse purchase from B & H Photo. Damn you Bill Me Later!!!

Since then, I have tried to use every opportunity to go out and shoot. Although, the weather or my work schedule hasn’t been cooperative as of late. I have even added a film camera and another lens to my arsenal just to get the feel for “authentic” film photography. I’m even going to try to develop the film myself (wish me luck!).

The question now becomes what have I learned thus far? This sounds extremely cliche, and I hate myself for typing it. But, it’s true. I have learned to take the time to appreciate the things I see more. I’m always on the lookout for the best spot to take pictures so I’m ever-vigilantly paying attention to my surroundings. Strangely, I manage to get lost in the moment when I have the camera up to my eye.

I still feel that I have a LOT to learn about photography. I have no clue what I’m doing most of the time, I just make sure the light meter is telling me I have a good exposure and CLICK!

Let me wrap up this rambling rant with this: find a passion and stick to it; learn it inside and out; and don’t get discouraged if you suck at first (or a month later, in my case).