When I found I had to take another semester at SMC, most classes were filled. So I did what most students do in times like this: First panic, then sign-up for any class I could find open. One of these classes was a total crapshoot: Photography.
Actually, it was suggested by my dear friend and Blogger Ashley, "you could always use photography skills for your blog."
So I signed up for that class with an iPhone, Canon prosumer camera, and 35mm Olympus travel camera stashed away. When I say that I was completely UNPREPARED for this class, I am not exaggerating by no means.
The first day in the class, some folks showed-up with cameras and lenses I had never even heard of. Models, brands, prices and features rolled off my classmates tongues like Chinese to my ears. By the end of the class I was told I needed a camera. I real camera. A DSLR...and handed a scary syllabus and overwhelming list of cameras that were appropriate to complete the class assignments.
I stayed behind to talk to my professor after that first class, and gave her an overview of what I planned to shoot outside of school: "Beauty products, food tastings, vacations and random family photos."
The professor explained that cameras on the high-end were better suited for students that wanted to take a professional route, while a hobbyist, like myself, is better suited for a starter camera. I settled on researching four mid-range models, two Canon (a brand I was familiar with) and two Nikons (the "dark-side of photography brands" as a fellow blogger told me).
I started with online researching on all the models I originally expected to choose from, then added a couple more as I expanded my research. I also stopped by several photography shops and my mainstay, Bestbuy, to "play" with the cameras and ask questions.
After a few days of research, various store visits, the day before my second class, I walked into Bestbuy with a solid choice: The Nikon D3300, and immediately connected with what would become a major part of my life for the next four months.
An overview of some of the photos I took this semester
Each week during the semester I was assigned various exercises and had to submit my work to be graded by my professor and also reviewed by my peers. Surprisingly, each week a photo or two of five selected by my professor received rave reviews by my peers.As the weeks went on, I learned to love photography more and more; and started to see things differently. Within three weeks I purchased a new lens. Less than a month later, I added a few other accessories. By the end of the semester I accumulated filters, a remote control, tripod, bounce, gray card, and many other tools that have helped me take these photos.
My required class assignments have turned into a passion that has been fueled, like with most artists, with the feedback and praise of others. So much so, that I was invited to continue at the schools photography program!
Last night I submitted my first portfolio and today I proclaimed that I will be working not just in media, blogging and writing, but that photography will fuel my creativity in 2015 and beyond.
