Nobody starts out running. Photography takes a lot of work to be good at just like most things in life. I have been shooting for a relatively short amount of time taking it seriously for just over 4 years now. The process of improving my photography over time has been a lot of work and dedication.
After catching the photography bug in 2014 on a trip to Greece it was obvious I had to commit some more time to the craft. My fellow travelers noticed that I might have some talent in photography and encouraged me to shoot. My photos from that trip aren’t much to speak of though I did have a decent enough camera. The best shot I got was on the beautiful island of Santorini which happened to win a contest when I entered into the state fair.
“Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work.”
I got lucky with that one, but with a little bit of success I wanted more. Doubling down on this new passion of mine I spent hours studying composition, editing, and different techniques. I also went out to shoot as much as I could to put the skills to practice. It was all that I wanted to do with free time!
I had another trip in 2015 to Italy where I was able to shoot in more wonderful Mediterranean locations! While on the island of Sicily participating in a program called Camp Adventure I would put in the work on my photography on the weekends at various locations. I also upgraded my gear after the trip to full frame which increased the quality significantly of the images I took. The number of trips I went on increased as well through 2016 going from coast to coast road tripping the USA.
“Work inspires inspiration. Keep working. If you succeed, keep working. If you fail, keep working. If you’re interested, keep working. If you’re bored, keep working.”
I eventually had to slow down a little bit and hone in on a location. After moving to the PNW here in Tualatin I knew it would define my images. I picked up a full time job and settled in to the area which decreased the amount I went on photography specific trips. I did, however, make the most of each time I got out. I did research to learn more about the area, weather, and seasons that tend to work best.
My year of 2017 was the slowest year for photography as far as getting outside, but it was the year I took advantage of my experience shooting in order to have the highest number of portfolio pieces to come out of it. This year, I am on track to outpace that even by a lot! It is just over half of the year through! Without even considering the images I got from my recent return trip to Europe I have over ten images I would be very happy with including in the portfolio. Look forward to an awesome top ten images from 2018 later this year!
“I don’t like work—no man does—but I like what is in the work—the chance to find yourself. Your own reality—for yourself not for others—what no other man can ever know.”
The point I am getting to recapping my experience over the last few years is to show progress. My photography story as of today is filled with plenty of ups and downs. Every bit of effort and work that I put in today builds into the photographer it makes me tomorrow. Not many photographers out there are able to say it is what they are able to do it full time. Time is the most valuable asset we have because nobody can negotiate more than they are allotted. Every minute spend not working towards something is wasted.
If you want to get better you have to put the work in. Success is not a variable anything other than work and there is no real substitute. It took work to get to where I am and I have a long way to go. At least I know what I need to do to get there!
“Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.”