Shuttergasmic - Hobbyist, Photographer | DeviantArt (original) (raw)

How I started my 'Photography':

I've always wanted a camera. Yet, my passion for photography was discovered gradually rather than instantaneously.

When I was still studying, we had several projects requiring us to submit a 'Family Tree'. Although it's a norm for schools to give this type of project, I took it as a big pain the arse. We had a Kodak point-and-shoot camera (remember the noisy dial gear?), but don't think that having this noisy beast helped me with my projects. Due to our financial status during that time, my mom considers the film rolls 'endangered', and touching the camera is almost equivalent to being hit with a clothing hanger. Sadly, because of that, creativity met me a little too late.

After 10 years of consistent birthday wish, my mom (finally) bought my first digital SLR as a college graduation gift. It was a Nikon d3100 kit with free 18-55mm lens intended for family events and celebrations. I named it 'Makoras' (Makina ng Oras/Time Machine). The fact that no film is required to use Makoras made me celebrate the camera more than any possession I had during that time. At first, I was not aware that there are better cameras since the only purpose of Makoras is to capture family events. My plan is just to use (and abuse) my Nikon d3100 so my young nephews and nieces would not bump into the same emotional iceberg I once licked when I was studying. Just like a horror movie, my nephews and nieces transformed from cute babies, to messy monsters after a little while. So, searching for other people to photograph was taken into consideration.

Makoras is 'just' an entry-level camera. It became evident in situations where low-light environment seems to kill my output. With an entry-level DSLR, maximizing the features is crucial. I started reading books and consulting people about settings and styles knowing that buying a better camera is unrealistic during that time. The limitations given by Makoras made me discover things and be resourceful. Ika nga nila, 'Wala yan sa pana - nasa Indian yan.'

After a year of saving, I recently purchased a Nikon D7100 (Wash) (as an exclusive camera for my shoots) and gave my Nikon D3100 to my mom for family events and gatherings. I'm now saving to buy a mirrorless camera (hopefully a Fuji), since Nikon D7100 is quite big. :)