Thursday, April 17, 2008

ANNIVERSARY: Celebrating First Year of Photography

THEN (This was a photo I took in my first digital photography class. We were studying aperture, and I turned to friend and fellow photographer Eric Strom to help explain it to me. I took this photo in his office at The Denver Post).


NOW (I took this photo last weekend during a paid portfolio session with Mea J. I notice that I seem to be developing a signature image, and a favorite creative style of intentional overexposure which lends an aura of beauty to this image.)


This month marks the first year anniversary of my journey to become a professional photographer. I took my first digital photography class this month last year at the Denver Darkroom. Boy, I have come a long way from being too afraid to take my camera out of the box to where I am now, actually being paid to shoot photography sessions in my home studio.

I wrote about how I almost dropped out of my first class on my blog The new technology frightened me, and I feared I would never get a handle on it. Plus, I was still suffering from heart palpatations. The $1,000 I paid for my Rebel XTi was one of the single largest, heart-quickening luxury expenses I've ever purchased for myself. In a world where digital cameras cost less than $100, I was having a hard time justifying the expense of a DSLR.

Every day since those scary moments have been an incredible progression into discovering a new passion, a new lease on life. Because I'm learning something new, I can't wait to get out of bed to see what is coming next. My photography seems to have affected my personality and my confidence. Gaining mastery over a new skill gave me the foundation I needed to mourn my mother's death and move on to a life I know look forward to experiencing. And when I see her again, I will have a whole mess of photos to show her....including the thousands I'm sure I will be taking soon of my new nephew born last week, yet another reason to keep my eye to the future.

To celebrate, I plan on taking a mini-vacation road trip touring the southern part of the state where my boyfriend grew up, taking pictures of the Great Sand Dunes and relaxing. So this is my shout out to all photographers everywhere: Take the time out to think about how far you've come and celebrate your triumphs, no matter if you've been shooting for the past month or for the past decade!

Happy Shooting everyone!

14 comments:

Unknown said...

Congratulations on your first anniversary Sheba. Looking forward to seeing more of your shots

Anonymous said...

Sheba

Didn't it go by quickly? Congratulations on your 1st year and best wishes for your 2nd!!

-- Dave

Anonymous said...

Congrats on the first year and here's to many, many more!

Brian D. Reed said...

WAY TO GO SHEBA!!! Congratulations on your one year anniversary. Before you know it we are going to be coming back for the tenth year anniversary. ;-) Keep up the good work.

Anonymous said...

Sheba, Congrats on the annviersary. You are as amazing as your pictures. Keep in touch. Amanda

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your first year anniversary Sheba. I feel truly blessed to have met you this past year. You're a great photographer and an even better friend. I wish you nothing but continued success in your endeavors. Just remember us small people on your way to the top!

Unknown said...

It has been fun watching you grow, learning and exploring new techniques, and getting scared but mustering up the courage to do it anyway. Your enthusiasm and determinism to achieve your photography goals are inspiring. Congratulations on the tremendous progress that you have made in just one year!!

tammie thessing said...

That's awesome, Sheba. It was nice meeting you and I hope we get to know each other better at some upcoming meetups. Keep up the fantastic work.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, Sheba. You've come a long way and I'm certain you're destined to go farther. Best of luck!

Hill Reflects said...

Happy Anniversary!! That is awesome. I look forward to making it to my first year. Great Job. You inspire me to continue on. My first session is tomorrow :).

Unknown said...

You learnt to shoot like that in one year?!? Consider yourself truly blessed (and gifted). Congratulations on your first year, and may the world continue to reveal itself through your lens in the years to to come.

--John

Unknown said...

Great fun, great pics. Fun shooting with ya.

JBAT

WULFPhotography said...

Congrats and keep going Sheba. You're looking great here!!

Unknown said...

Shelba-

Congrats on your 1st anniversary.. I remember mine like it was yesterday, or uh..several years ago. It's great getting the opportunity to grow with something that you love. You have a great portfolio. It was great meeting you at the Strobist meet-up, I look forward to working with you again.

-Carl

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