Its
hard to point to a
time when I became interested in
photography. I have always enjoyed taking photographs but had
never
really put any thought behind them. About 15 years ago I traded an Onkyo stereo receiver for my mothers old Canon AE-1 Program
and thats when I started to pay attention to what makes a good photograph and to learn how to actually use a camera. While my
photographs from that time were nothing more than snapshots with a good camera, I was becoming familiar with SLR cameras. In
2000 I purchased my first digital camera, a Nikon Coolpix 800. It was nothing special but it did what all digital cameras do quite well:
instant feedback. I could experiment and try new things without the expense and the wait of 35mm film photography. Its during this
time that the bug really hit me.
In 2002 I joined an online photography enthusiast website called PhotoSig where you can post photos for critique and critique
others' photos. I learned a lot from that website and met several accomplished photographers and 'weekend hacks' like myself.
These online friendships, which continue to this day, have helped me grow as an amateur photographer. Being able to ask them
questions on technique, equipment, style etc. has been an invaluable resource.
In 2004 I purchased my first digital SLR camera, the Canon EOS Digital Rebel. Finally I had the tools that would allow me to
fully experiment and grow in my now more serious hobby. I began working hard on composition and learning to use the lenses
I purchased along with my new camera. At the urging of a family friend, I began to enter photographs in the Iowa State
Fair Photography contests each year and had success in having some photographs exhibited.
Since that time, Ive purchased another dSLR, the Canon EOS 30D, and have continued to develop and work at being a nature
and sports photographer with empasis on auto racing. In 2008, I won an Honorable Mention ribbon in the Iowa State Fair Photography
contest and in 2009 I won a 2nd Place Ribbon. My work has been published in The Iowan Magazine and Iowa Bird Life. My next
challenge will likely be portrait photography. It has always intimidated me but it would be a great new challenge and an
important skill to develop as a serious hobbyist.
really put any thought behind them. About 15 years ago I traded an Onkyo stereo receiver for my mothers old Canon AE-1 Program
and thats when I started to pay attention to what makes a good photograph and to learn how to actually use a camera. While my
photographs from that time were nothing more than snapshots with a good camera, I was becoming familiar with SLR cameras. In
2000 I purchased my first digital camera, a Nikon Coolpix 800. It was nothing special but it did what all digital cameras do quite well:
instant feedback. I could experiment and try new things without the expense and the wait of 35mm film photography. Its during this
time that the bug really hit me.
In 2002 I joined an online photography enthusiast website called PhotoSig where you can post photos for critique and critique
others' photos. I learned a lot from that website and met several accomplished photographers and 'weekend hacks' like myself.
These online friendships, which continue to this day, have helped me grow as an amateur photographer. Being able to ask them
questions on technique, equipment, style etc. has been an invaluable resource.
In 2004 I purchased my first digital SLR camera, the Canon EOS Digital Rebel. Finally I had the tools that would allow me to
fully experiment and grow in my now more serious hobby. I began working hard on composition and learning to use the lenses
I purchased along with my new camera. At the urging of a family friend, I began to enter photographs in the Iowa State
Fair Photography contests each year and had success in having some photographs exhibited.
Since that time, Ive purchased another dSLR, the Canon EOS 30D, and have continued to develop and work at being a nature
and sports photographer with empasis on auto racing. In 2008, I won an Honorable Mention ribbon in the Iowa State Fair Photography
contest and in 2009 I won a 2nd Place Ribbon. My work has been published in The Iowan Magazine and Iowa Bird Life. My next
challenge will likely be portrait photography. It has always intimidated me but it would be a great new challenge and an
important skill to develop as a serious hobbyist.