I love a great many things in life – purring cats, a heavy snowfall, a rocking tune, a solid dose of mist, a beautiful hike – to name a few. Sing with me: “these are a few of my favorite thiiings….” And fortunately, most of the things that bring me joy pair well with photography, my other love.
Perhaps this is why I don’t restrict myself to any particular type of photography. I love candids and landscape and events and wildlife. It’s a curse and a blessing. I never get bored, yet I don’t hone my skills as quickly as someone more focused might.
People often ask what kind of photography I do, and I find that a difficult question to answer sometimes. Unlike so many others out there, I don’t fit into a single mold, and I’m constantly experimenting.
For me, the interests came first, and the photography was just the constant companion along for the ride. I enjoy visiting anime conventions every year, and I couldn’t get enough of all of the wonderful costumes around me – *snap* – event photography. I’m an avid hiker and explorer, and I find spanning vistas stunning – *click* – landscape photography. And I’m thrilled by traveling and experiencing foreign cultures – *click* – travel photography.
Now that I’ve really been focusing on my photography as a separate entity, I find there are other types about which I’m curious, and I’ll go out of my way to dabble in studio photography, astrophotography, focus stacking, infrared, macro…
I can understand the difficulty some face when wanting to get into photography. There are so many facets to the art; where do you start? And what if what you choose doesn’t work?
I recently had a conversation with a gentleman who has been shooting sports, but he was considering quitting photography altogether because he just didn’t enjoy the sporting atmosphere. I’ve had similar discussions with a fellow cosplay photographer who actually did mostly hang his camera.
One thing I’ve learned is that photography offers so many options. If you love the art but not the subject, it’s quite easy to adjust your focus (pun intended) to something more enjoyable. Life is too short to put up with something that doesn’t suit you.
I was fortunate in that I had a very natural adoption of photography into my life. And for those who also wish to get into the art, I would advise they attempt to replicate that. Shoot what you love, and that passion will extend into your new hobby. I personally have a lot of options because I love so many things around me. And they’re beautifully tied together through my beloved camera.
Want sneak peeks and exclusive photo tips?
Sign up for my monthly newsletter!
Such an amazing post. Thanks a a lot for sharing.
Thank you, Sazzad!