A year of Reflection: My journey as a Photographer
As I reflect on the past year as a professional photographer, I can’t help but feel immeasurable gratitude for the experiences that have shaped both my craft and my perspective. It’s been a year of growth, stress, challenges, and breakthroughs, and as I look toward the future, I’m filled with excitement for what lies ahead. This year, I’ve learned valuable lessons, honed my skills, begun developing new ones and discovered new passions that I can’t wait to explore further.
One of the biggest things I’ve learned over the past year is the importance of patience. Whether I’m capturing a fleeting moment at a wedding, waiting for the perfect light to hit on a location shoot, or anticipating the perfect expression of my subject, patience has become a crucial part of my process. Photography is not just about being in the right place at the right time; it’s about understanding your subject and allowing the moment to happen naturally. Trusting that the right shot will come with time while also managing your time wisely has been one of the most difficult and valuable lessons.
I’ve also gained a deeper understanding of the technical side of photography. This year has been filled with experimenting with new equipment, practicing my editing techniques, and becoming more comfortable with the technical aspects that allow me to bring my creative vision to life. I’ve realized how important it is to constantly push myself to learn and grow while ensuring I focus on the basics and not lose site of the goal– photography is an ever-evolving field, and I want to evolve right along with it. That can be difficult to do when you feel like the turtle in a race full of hares.
In addition to the technical growth I’ve experienced, one of the most crucial lessons I’ve learned is the relationship between lighting and camera settings. It’s something that can make or break a photograph, and understanding how they work together is key to achieving the results I envision.
Lighting is, in many ways, the foundation of a great photograph. I’ve come to appreciate how it can completely transform the mood and tone of an image. Natural light, artificial light, backlighting, and even the direction of light all play a massive role in how a photograph turns out. Over the past year, I’ve spent a lot of time experimenting with different light sources, learning how to work with natural light at various times of the day, and discovering the impact of soft and hard light on my subjects. Adjusting my perspective and experimenting with light has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my growth.
Equally important is understanding how to adjust my camera settings to match the lighting conditions. Aperture, shutter speed, and ISO are the essential trio that determines how an image is captured, and finding the right balance is an art in itself. Too often, photographers can get caught up in one setting while neglecting the others, but I’ve learned that achieving the right exposure requires attention to all three. I’ve experimented with different settings in various lighting scenarios, and it’s become clear that the key is knowing how to adapt quickly and adjust the settings to achieve the desired effect.
One of the greatest gifts I’ve received in the past year is the opportunity to work in such a supportive and inspiring environment. The place I work has become not just a job, but a community. It’s a space where creativity is encouraged, and where I am constantly surrounded by talented, like-minded individuals who challenge and inspire me to do better. (Check out some of my awesome co workers below! )
I’m deeply grateful for the mentors I’ve had along the way. Their guidance, wisdom, and generosity with their time and expertise have been invaluable. It’s not easy to navigate the world of professional photography, but having the right mentors has made all the difference. Their willingness to share their knowledge and help me refine my craft has allowed me to grow and develop my skills in ways I never could have imagined I would. I can’t overstate how much of an impact they’ve had on my journey.
In addition to the technical growth I’ve experienced, one of the most crucial lessons I’ve learned is the relationship between lighting and camera settings. It’s something that can make or break a photograph, and understanding how they work together is key to achieving the results I envision.
Lighting is, in many ways, the foundation of a great photograph. I’ve come to appreciate how it can completely transform the mood and tone of an image. Natural light, artificial light, backlighting, and even the direction of light all play a massive role in how a photograph turns out. Over the past year, I’ve spent a lot of time experimenting with different light sources, learning how to work with natural light at various times of the day, and discovering the impact of soft and hard light on my subjects. Adjusting my perspective and experimenting with light has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my growth.
Equally important is understanding how to adjust my camera settings to match the lighting conditions. Aperture, shutter speed, and ISO are the essential trio that determines how an image is captured, and finding the right balance is an art in itself. Too often, photographers can get caught up in one setting while neglecting the others, but I’ve learned that achieving the right exposure requires attention to all three. I’ve experimented with different settings in various lighting scenarios, and it’s become clear that the key is knowing how to adapt quickly and adjust the settings to achieve the desired effect.
Equally rewarding has been the sense of camaraderie with my peers. Photography can sometimes feel like a solitary pursuit, but the connections I’ve made with other photographers, both within and outside of my workplace, have been incredibly fulfilling. There’s something special about sharing experiences, discussing techniques, and learning from one another. The joy that comes from collaborating with talented photographers has been one of the highlights of this year, and I’m excited to continue building those relationships as I move forward.
Looking to the Future: Wildlife Photography
As I look ahead to the coming years, I’m excited about diving deeper into the world of wildlife photography. This is an area I’ve always admired, but I’ve never had the chance to truly explore. The thought of capturing the beauty and rawness of nature, the delicate balance between light and shadow, and the fleeting moments of wildlife in their natural habitats, is something I’m eager to pursue.
I hope to spend more time out in nature, honing my skills in capturing animals and landscapes. There’s a certain magic in photographing the untamed world, and I can’t wait to immerse myself in it. This shift toward wildlife photography will allow me to connect even more with the natural world and learn new techniques that can only be perfected through patience, persistence, and respect for the animals I hope to photograph.
Looking back on this past year, I’m filled with joy and extremely grateful for everything I’ve learned and experienced. From the technical aspects to the personal relationships I’ve built with colleagues and mentors, every moment has been a part of my growth as a photographer. I’m also excited to continue pushing the boundaries of my work and exploring new areas, like wildlife photography, that will challenge me in fresh ways.
The journey ahead is one I look forward to with anticipation, and I am incredibly thankful for the opportunities I’ve had so far. As I continue to learn and grow, I hope to not only capture the world as I see it but to inspire others to see the beauty in the moments that often go unnoticed.
Here’s to another year of learning, growth, and beautiful moments – both behind the lens and beyond it. - Shutterbug27
