My photography journey
When I became a mom, I also became obsessed with photographing my children. I think this is a gene that is included in motherhood. Moms always seem to be snapping away, trying to hold on to the moments they know will become memories way too soon. After a few years of blurry images and missed moments because my camera sucked (or so I thought!), I took a leap and bought a dslr. I thought this was the magic answer to getting better photos. I was wrong. Six years later and I know that a “good” photograph takes a lot more than a nice camera. I’m exposing some bad images in this post but I thought it may inspire you. This is my photography journey.
In 2010, I got my first DSLR – a nikon 3100. I shot with the kit lens for about six months until I was gifted a 35 1.8. That lens was a game changer for me! I had no concept of lighting, editing or composition. I just snapped and prayed I got something that would turn out okay.
The first image I took with a dslr.
She’s so cute but the blown highlights and out of focus eyes are all I can see…haha!
In 2012, I still had no idea what I was doing behind the camera but I began to explore more with indoor window light and documenting moments that were more relaxed. I thought the only time I could get a “good” photo was during golden hour though.
My first natural light image.
This image made me fall in love with black and white photography.
In 2013, I used photography as a way to heal. It helped me cope with an tragic event my family was facing. I also decided to start a 365 project that year. I learned so much during that project. I got to experiment with backlight, dramatic light and hone in on an editing style. My color edits were still pretty inconsistent but my black and white edits were getting better. I was struggling with white balance in tough lighting situations. I had no clue what proper skin tone should look like. I also took my first photography workshop during this year. It was about lifestyle photography and gave me the courage to be more mindful in the images I was taking. I took over 3 thousand images this year and all that practice really propelled me into gaining more confidence. This is also the year I opened my business.
Stumbled upon directional light in this image.
My final image for the lifestyle workshop.
M looks adorable but the white balance is way off.
One of my first 365 images and the emergence of my black and white editing style.
Still struggling with white balance and working with backlight.
When I realized I could isolate the light to highlight my subject.
Getting a little better with white balance.
In 2014, I was still doing my 365 project (I started it in the summer of 2013) so I was still learning. There were many times that year I wanted to give up. Persistence paid off and I finished 365 days of shooting in July of 2014. While I had honed in on my black and white style, I was still struggling with my color edits. After venting about this with a friend, she suggested I take the same steps with my color edits that I did with my monochrome images. It was great advice and that helped give my color images more consistency. I also took more chances trying new techniques and playing with more emotive images.
Much better than the previous year blue bonnet image. White balance is perfect and nice, rich colors.
Falling in love with emotive portraits like this one.
Trying new things like purposely underexposing images.
Getting in front of the camera too!
Breaking “rules” with freelensing.
In 2015, there was a shift in the images that I was taking. I was focusing more on images that told a story and made my heart sing. I focused less on the rules and more on what my heart wanted to remember. I fell in love with more documentary images but also loved to create fine art. I started another 365 but only made it a few months. I did a few other personal projects. By this time, I knew I could shoot in any lighting situation, including harsh mid-day light. I also was able to edit more consistently between color and black and white. I learned about CMYK, which was a game changer for my white balance and making sure my subject’s skin looked good in every photo.
I used light and composition to make this image magical.
Letting go of certain rules allowed me to love this image.
I thought more about compositions and lighting situations to make a stronger photograph.
I looked for more details in the light.
Lines make this a strong composition.
Trying hard to create stronger documentary images.
In 2016, I felt completely comfortable in my photography abilities. After so many years of struggling with certain types of light, I was confident that I could photograph in any lighting condition. I looked more for the decisive moment to create a stronger documentary image. I could use a series of images to tell a story. I could also create a soulful portrait. I was in control of my photographic voice. I turned my business focus to only in home sessions. I wanted to share the type of images that made me happiest with my clients. I streamlined my workflow and editing became so much easier.
Using harsh shadows in mid-day sun instead of battling them.
Nailed the decisive moment in this image!
Still playing with more creative images.
Wonderful framing and color.
Everyone’s photography journey is different but the end goal is usually the same for those of us that are also moms, to preserve memories. One thing I would love to do more of in 2017 is help moms learn how to use their DSLR cameras. If you are in the Toledo area and want the same thing, use the contact tab to learn more about my mamarazzi photo class.
