Press Button To Blog - Learning The Basics

Taking photos can be an immensely fulfilling form of artistic expression, however there are many technical and logistical hurdles that can make it a daunting task for beginners. One of the biggest challenges that I faced when starting out was navigating the vastness of cameras, lenses, and systems involved in digital photography. As a beginner, I found myself overwhelmed by the range of options available, and struggled to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each. It's only through trial and error, and a lot of research and practice can I finally be able to figure out my style and needs as a photographer.

The use of lighting is one of the trickiest aspects of photography to master. Starting out, I struggled with finding the right balance between natural and artificial light sources, learning how to control the light in my shots. Understanding the interaction between the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO settings, and how they affect the exposure of my images, was also a steep learning curve. Not to mention the depth of knowledge needed for the post-processing steps of editing and getting the most out of my blood, sweat and tears.

Of course, photography isn't just about the technical aspects. Being a great photographer also requires a creative eye and an ability to think outside the box. It's about finding unique perspectives and moments that others might miss, and capturing the essence of a moment in a single image. That to me is the most appealing reason to explore photography. If I were to find a genie in a bottle, I'd wish to become world famous for my work to the point where I can pay others to do all of the other un-fun time consuming parts of being a photographer. But alas, I'm not combing the sands expecting that to come to fruition anytime soon.

One of the biggest personal struggles that I have faced as a photographer is finding the time, energy, and money to explore the art form to its fullest. Photography can be an expensive hobby, with the costs of equipment and accessories adding up extraordinarily quickly. It can also be a time-consuming pursuit, requiring hours of practice and exploration to truly master. Balancing my passions for photography with the rest of my full-time work and personal life has been a constant challenge.

But despite these challenges, being a photographer is an incredibly rewarding experience. There is nothing quite like the feeling of capturing the perfect shot, and seeing the world through my camera lens has opened up a whole new perspective on life. Becoming a skilled photographer takes time and dedication, but the journey I hope is well worth it.

Press Button To Blog - The Introduction

Photography is not just about capturing a beautiful image (although that's crucial too), it is about capturing a moment in time, an emotion, or a story. Who is the person behind the camera? Who's in front of the lens? Why was the photo taken? Where was the picture taken and when? Photography is a powerful tool that at its best can change our world. Short of those lofty ambitions, taking photos can just be a lot of fun.

While my journey into photography started as a hobby, I've realized that it has the potential to evolve into something much more meaningful, allowing me to connect with a variety of people and capture once in a lifetime slices of life. And that is why I started my website, so I could hopefully facilitate a transition from personal past-time into something more professional.

This website exists to showcase my photography, highlight the free services I'm offering to the community, and provide a platform to document my adventures and learning as I continue along this path. For as horrid as this planet can be, the world is also full of all sorts of beauty, and by sharing my perspective through my work, I hope to inspire others to see the world a little bit differently, and to appreciate the unique beauty in their own lives.

Photography is an adventure in itself, prodding me to do things I normally wouldn't, enabling me to flex my creative muscles, and hopefully it takes me to places I never thought I would see.

Press Button To Blog - The Beaches

I always bring my camera to the beach so I can capture those sandtastic moments!

None of these are funny. I don't know why I keep doing them.

I always love visiting the beaches in Toronto, even though I've never swum in that condom filled water nor have I tanned in that needle filled sand. Still, the waterfront is definitely one of my favourite places to go to in the city. Whether it's in the warmth of that cliché summer breeze or the boner stiff whiff off of the frozen lake in winter, each season offers a unique environment to stroll and relax in when the hustle and bustle gets too strong.

The beaches are always really busy too, with so many people out and about enjoying the sun, sand, and not at all safe to swim water. And as a photographer, that type of action and energy is always a great opportunity to capture some cool moments. As an avid people watcher, you can't ask for much more of a day out.

Some of my favourite memories of spending time at the city's various waterfronts goes back to my teenage and young adult years when I visited semi-frequently for some personal stress relief. In Toronto, it is technically illegal to feed most wild animals, and that includes the ducks and swans at the beaches, but of course that didn't stop me from sneaking the boys some bags of bread and crackers when the mood fits. And before anyone starts going on about diet and habits and blah blah blah, I've heard the arguments against it, I just disagree.

Considering how much time it takes to focus on finding food for sheer survival (not to mention the numerous dangers in doing so), I firmly believe that it's more beneficial for many animals to have the occasional easier meal so that they can focus on other endeavors, like building homes and mating. Having bread isn't good for humans either, but that doesn't stop us. I certainly know that's what I'd rather be doing instead of scavenging for sustenance. So I always loved seeing the ducks fattening up for their long winter trip south. I always avoid doing so in the late fall however, as I didn't want to encourage them to stay for longer than they should since they have their already scheduled vacation on the horizon.

Now, as an adult wannabe photographer, I still love finding time to eat my lunch or just have a drink on a bench and do some people watching. It's a peaceful break from the busy city life, and it offers a fantastic opportunity for candid shots. I do find in comparison though, that beach goers are more reluctant to be willing subjects. Whereas at big events and even in the streets, public privacy isn't expected. But perhaps, when attending the beach people feel more like they're giving themselves a slice of vacation, and find it more intrusive to be in someone's photo than they would other wise.

Like with all other street photography I always have to remain cognizant of what I'm shooting. I'd love to try and take some pictures of the frolicking families and the beautiful athletic people playing volleyball, but that inside voice that says "don't be a weirdo, don't be a creeper" drones out the creativity that I'm trying to tap into, even if my intent is pure (I promise). But I imagine the longer I practice photography the easier it's all going to get when it comes to those awkward moments. Eventually I'll just be yelling posing instructions to the people on the beach from across the boardwalk, hoping they'll volunteer themselves into better positions for my shots. I can't let social awkwardness get in the way between me and my so-called art now can I.