My start in photography was simple. I was going on a cruise with family to the Mexican Riviera. I knew that there would be some beautiful scenery to photograph on the trip, but did not own a camera or have any idea about photography. The last time I had done photography was in an art class in college back when we shot on film slides and presented to the class.
Now it was 2003 and digital photography was the new thing. I purchased a Nikon point and shoot camera for the cruise figuring it was easily portable and the best new way to take photographs. On the trip, I photographed my family that was on the trip and some scenery. Of course, on the open ocean I also took some sunset shots. I think the camera had all of 4 megapixels, but it was the highest megapixel count around at the time.
Below is a sunset photo from the 2003 cruise:
I used that point a shoot camera for several years. Then, about 2011, I decided that I wanted to upgrade to a DSLR. My good friend Yaron was into photography and so I discussed the transition with him. That was when I learned about the Nikon v. Canon rivalry. I went with the Nikon D3100 for two reasons, 1. Yaron was an avid Nikon fan who said something along the lines of “Why buy a camera from a printer and copier company when you can buy one from a company that only makes cameras and lenses?”, and 2. I had really liked the Nikon point and shoot.
I purchased the Nikon D3100 with the standard kit 18-55mm lens. I also purchased the DX 55-300mm lens to go along with the kit lens. As I began having more control over the camera settings, I was able to enjoy photography even more. I started practicing with Yaron and learning about depth of field, aperture, shutter speed, and ISO settings. I tried different techniques and different subjects.
I’ll do another post about my gear acquisitions over the years and the reasons for each purchase later. In the meantime, suffice it to say that I have the photography bug and bring my camera with me almost everywhere I go. I also plan trips and vacations so that they include times, locations, and subjects for photography along with other adventures.
Jeff