So - what's your story?

[DznyFan]

Forgive me if there's been thread like this before, but I'm relatively new to the Photography boards -
I've been a part of the DIS boards for a few years, but find myself always coming back to the Photography board since there are people here who share the love of Disney AND photography.
Personally, I find the people here to be helpful, inspirational and a fount of knowledge. Seeing others' work drives me to learn more, and improve my skills.

So, I want to know - what got you into photography as a hobby? Why not UFO hunting, skiing, or building stills? Everyone's got a story - what's yours?


I grew up around photography. My father worked professionally in the industry beginning in the 40s, and continued after WWII. I came along in the 60s and all of my young life was spent on the other end of a lens. 35mm, medium format, it didn't matter, and dad had it. By the time I made it to high school I had become a shutterbug myself, but without decent equipment. In HS photo class I learned ins and outs of a darkroom and spent my first period of time with a 35mm slr camera. Although it's not been until the past couple years that I've spent any significant amount of money or time on my lifelong hobby, I still spent much of my adult life shooting. Now that the kiddo is grown and out of the house, I can seriously focus on learning as much as I can and growing as a photographer. I stick with it because there's a lot of beauty in the world that can be captured on film (or a sensor, these days) and I love photography as an art form.

And you?

 

[ukcatfan]

So, I want to know - what got you into photography as a hobby? Why not UFO hunting, skiing, or building stills? Everyone's got a story - what's yours?

Stills, umm, uhhh, WHAT HAVE YOU HEARD!!! None of it is true and you can't prove anything!!!!!!!




I am actually a little late in entering the photog hobby. I am 34 and have been interested since around the end of high school, but never could devote the time and money to own more than a cheapo p&s 35mm. I received my first digital for X-mas '01. It was an Olympus D460 1.3MP and I thought it was great. I got my first DSLR around Halloween '06. It was a Pentax K100D and I used it up until last month when I upgraded to a K-x. The K100D is now the (under supervision) kids camera. I also spend a decent amount of time in the gym, so technically photography is my #2 hobby. I do not chat bodybuilding on the web FWIW.

 

[funkychunkymonkey]

Ive been into photography since high school but only got really serious the last few years. I blame a recent trip to some waterfalls for my new hobby of photography. I currently have a P&S camera but want to upgrade. My other hobby is writing short stories, poems and novels, mostly with a law enforcement theme. I also used to hunt UFOS (back in high school)

 

[SrisonS]

Awesome idea for a thread. I think I sort of remember there being a similar thread before; but I really don't recall. No biggy though.

I've always been into taking pictures, but not necessarily into "photography". I used to love taking my camera on family trips; and taking pictures of our sightseeing. It's only in the last couple of years that I've really gotten into photography. And honestly, Disney (and the digital camera age) spawned this deep passion. I moved to Florida a few years ago, and made the great choice of getting an annual pass. After my wife bought herself a digital camera, I quickly realized it's advantages; and I was constantly taking pics during our visits. I thought i was hot stuff at the time. But my visits to these exact boards showed me how much I had to learn. Ever since, i've been learning about the many aspects of photography; and have completely fallen in love with it.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

I was always an automatic camera picture taker. My DW was the photographer. Our first 'fancy' camera was a Yashica rangefinder camera back in the 70's, which was similar to today's Bridge cameras. She quickly outgrew that and we bought a Minolta SLR. Then I was offered an unbelievable discount opportunity to purchase a Pentax LX with the M 50 1.4 lens. She used that camera for many years ( again, I used it on automatic) until the digitals starting coming out. She started with a Kodak 1 mg pixel camera and proceeded to upgrade with P & S. In late 2007 because we had Pentax lenses I purchased her the K10d. I didn't really start shooting with that until a WDW Christmas trip in 2008. We took a vacation trip to D.C. where my youngest DD resides. While there, I visited a chain camera store and while talking to the manager about the announced K7, he asked if I wanted a backup for the K10d. Because the K20d was the latest and greatest with the K7 announced, he sold me a new in the box K10d body with wireless remote for $250. The rest is history and multiple thousands of dollars later, here we are. Until the DSLR came along, I didn't have the time or patience to learn film photography. Besides the cost of film and developing for maybe one or two good images per roll drove me crazy. I started with the shotgun effect and now after taking classes and reading every book I can, I have surpassed the DW. Now I can officially say I have the 'disease'!!

 

[disneyboy2003]

I have surpassed the DW. Now I can officially say I have the 'disease'!!

So...would you say that your wife gave you the 'disease'?

just kidding! just kidding! Really nice story, though.

 

[edolyne]

I got into photography years ago now, I had taken with me a small point and shoot camera and on one of the days at sea captured the images below.

This is what sparked my creativity and the next trip that we took I had bought a better camera and also took a photography tour. The photography tour was done by a local pro and I gained a ton of info. We had pointers on posing as well as composing our images at several different locations, as well as looking at a scene in a creative way to see something that others might not see. After getting home from the trip I got my very first DSLR and took off on a rampant pace to photograph anything and everything that I possibly could from Disney trips to family events, holidays and the like.

The last year and a half though has been amazing, I first branched out starting to do event photography for my church and that grew into portraits as well as wedding photography. I have absolutely loved getting involved in these areas, wedding especially. I am a sucker for a good love story(don't worry I always let me wife think that she convinced me to go see the "chick flicks") and a wedding is such an amazing story and it is an honor to share in those moments, and yes normally by the end of the night I have also shed a few tears. To top off the last year I just received an email yesterday that I was chosen to receive a Wedding Wire Bride's Choice Award for 2010, which places me into the top 5% of wedding vendors nation wide(who are on Wedding Wire).

So that's my long winded story, your mileage may vary but photography is an amazing art and an awesome way to create your own view of the world and life. I absolutely love photography and had no idea when I started years ago this would be how far I would come.

 

[Iwant2BAprincess]

Mine probably spawned off of my mothers complete lack of camera usage-I snagged her cheap little camera when I was about 7 and found any excuse I could to use it (I remember it took flash cubes). From then I just became the exact opposite of her. If only she would have realized that if she would have used a camera she would never have to worry about having her own picture taken I think she would have converted years ago to avoid those awkward Christmas morning shots.

 

[NateNLogansDad]

My interest started with a Trip Report on the Disboards last year(2009.)

Rewind to June of 2008. On the first day of our first trip to Disney, I declared my p&s camera DEAD because the flash stopped working. Luckily my brother had his camera because I didn't take too many pictures after that.
July 2009 I bought a bridge camera because it had a better zoom than the pocket cameras. True it had extra functions but AUTO works just as good right?

So last year I came across this trip report that had some really nice looking shots all through it, only to find out they were all taken without ever using a flash. Now I'm confused and intrigued. I tried to ask a few questions without being a pain and eventually she pointed me in the direction of the Photography Boards. There I read Mark's tutorials on how to shoot different things at the parks. I remember two pictures in particular made my jaw drop and I said to myself "I want to do that."

So, within about a year I went from an OK P&S to a nicer bridge to my first DSLR!

 

[RBennett]

For me, it was a slow process. I started out in college buying a 35mm Canon camera that "looked" professional so I could hit on girls by asking to take their picture. (Not my classiest move, but it worked!) Then when my wife and I (who strangely I did NOT meet while taking her picture) decided to go to Disney more we stumbled across the DIS!! There were all sorts of areas like the strategy boards, etc that were really neat and helping us to plan our upcoming trip but I was looking for some pictures of different areas and stumbled on the photo section. That was around 2006 when I got bit by the bug! I knew right away that I wanted a new camera because mine wasn't cutting it any more so I started asking people which ones they recommended and I met Groucho and ukcatfan!! These guys ROCKED and helped steer me to the Pentax side and here I am a few years later looking to upgrade to the K-x! (Again following in their footsteps, although I would have upgraded first if I had the money.) Now I am on here constantly looking to see how to improve my shots and more importantly my 'eye'.

 

[WVDisGeek]

I too think there was a thread a while back similar to this, but I have never been accused of being shy, so why not again!

I started out with a Pentax K1000 35mm camera when I was in high school. did some shots for the school paper, the yearbook, etc. I liked it enough to upgrade to a A3000 which was a little more advanced. Shot with that camera through college. Then the real world intervened and I started a job in public accounting. I was basically living out of a suitcase for years and photography took a back seat.

I met my wife and we honeymooned at DW in 1997. We had some kind of 35mm p&s (can't even remember what brand now!) that my MIL had given us. We started taking pictures at WDW. Over the years we became deeply infected by the Disney bug and after multiple trips and TONS of digital pictures with a Kodak 5mp digital p&s, I was frustrated by not being able to get pictures in low light, at night, etc. I pulled out my old SLRs and started getting back into "photography" as opposed to taking vacation snapshots.

That is when I found these boards. The people here (as previously mentioned) seemed not only knowledgeable but far friendlier and less "militant" than some of the brand specific boards out there. Being that I already had Pentax gear, I gravitated towards their DSLRs and after getting great advice from Groucho and ukcatfan, (thanks again guys!!) bought a K200d in May of 2008. I have the bug bad now. I would say I am an advanced amatuer, striving to make myself a better photographer. I am not sure I will ever be "content" with where I am, I certainly hope not. The folks on this board show me what can be done and inspire me to try and do likewise.

Now as for living in WV, the still is a touchy subject. Just don't look in the basement!!!

 

[DznyFan]

As Mr. Spock would say... Fascinating!
A lot of similarities, but yet we do all have our stories! Interesting that besides being a common thread (since it is a Disney board, after all) that Disney is a/the place that has really inspired many of us and without it, would we still have taken the plunge?

Stills, umm, uhhh, WHAT HAVE YOU HEARD!!! None of it is true and you can't prove anything!!!!!!!

we have photographic evidence...

Awesome idea for a thread. I think I sort of remember there being a similar thread before; but I really don't recall. No biggy though.

I've always been into taking pictures, but not necessarily into "photography".

Thank you! I guess that sums it up for me too - always 'taking pictures' recently into 'photography'. I've looked at your Flickr - you do a great job!

So...would you say that your wife gave you the 'disease'?
just kidding! just kidding! Really nice story, though.

To top off the last year I just received an email yesterday that I was chosen to receive a Wedding Wire Bride's Choice Award for 2010, which places me into the top 5% of wedding vendors nation wide(who are on Wedding Wire).

So that's my long winded story, your mileage may vary but photography is an amazing art and an awesome way to create your own view of the world and life. I absolutely love photography and had no idea when I started years ago this would be how far I would come.

Great story and congratulations!!!

For me, it was a slow process. I started out in college buying a 35mm Canon camera that "looked" professional so I could hit on girls by asking to take their picture. (Not my classiest move, but it worked!)
Now I am on here constantly looking to see how to improve my shots and more importantly my 'eye'.

Funny story!! At least you looked professional! good to see you, like many, are still learning. Groucho and ukcatfan have been very helpful to several, i think.

I
That is when I found these boards. The people here (as previously mentioned) seemed not only knowledgeable but far friendlier and less "militant" than some of the brand specific boards out there.

Now as for living in WV, the still is a touchy subject. Just don't look in the basement!!!

Yes, they are - very easy to get along with..

And your basement.... is that where ukcatfan's still is???

 

[ukcatfan]

And your basement.... is that where ukcatfan's still is???

I am originally from Eastern KY, so ours are out in the woods Back in a "haller" if you would

 

[DznyFan]

I am originally from Eastern KY, so ours are out in the woods Back in a "haller" if you would

LOL! I know exactly what a 'haller' is!! Nope, Eastern KY stills definitely NOT in basements.

 

[WVDisGeek]

I am originally from Eastern KY, so ours are out in the woods Back in a "haller" if you would

We have "hollers" (WV Spelling!) here too, just too easy for the revenuers to find you.

Actually built a still in high school as an AP Chemistry project. Unfortunately, no sampling allowed.

 

[ukcatfan]

We have "hollers" (WV Spelling!) here too, just too easy for the revenuers to find you.

I don't know if there is an official spelling since most that say it are illiterate!

Wow, we sidetracked this thread!!!!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Oh how I wish I'd had someone to teach me photography when I was younger, or taken a photography class in high school, or even known someone who used an SLR who could show me how. (As a matter of fact, I still wish it! ) But it simply wasn't to be - even though I was always taking pictures from as far back as I can remember. I even did some photos for a brochure but still wasn't using an SLR. It just seemed way beyond my abilities.

The Perfect Storm of finally learning photography once and for all, and then making the leap to my first (d)SLR came a few years ago. It was something I always wanted to do and finally had the time and inclination. I also felt like I finally had some support simply hanging around here. So that's what I did. And it was probably one of the hardest things I've ever done. My kids have begun to enjoy photography and teaching them all I've learned is rewarding for me as I feel it's a nice gift I can give them.

I sometimes feel like the lonely Maytag repairman of the PB, being one of the few users of Olympus. But that's ok as it was more of a challenge in many ways and was more satisifying to see it through and make it work, and I do love a good challenge.

Welcome.

 

[Pugrpooh]

My story is kind of like Pea-n-Me's, not only in that I use an Olympus, but that I was always taking pictures, but never had the desire to go beyond automatic. My first camera was one of those that you look down through the top to take pictures, if you know what I mean. It had belonged to my uncle. I graduated to a 110 instamatic which I had for my first trip to WDW in 1976. When I met DH he had a Canon AE-1, which we still have, but I had no desire to learn to use all the controls. I don't know why he had it because he didn't know anything about it either!

Eventually I got a Fuji p&s which took great pictures. This was after my second DD was born and I wanted a camera which would imprint dates on the photos. Unfortunately I left it on a plane to London and bought a Vivitar there which took crappy pictures.

DH went to Japan around 9 or 10 years ago and came back with our first digital, a Canon Elph 3.1 mp. Then in 2005 I was itching to take better pictures, have more zoom, etc. and bought a Sony H-5 for $500.

Then we decided to go to Alaska with our 3 DD's and my parents. I really wanted great photos so I bought my Olympus and started a long learning process. Unlike a lot of people on this board, my research was not very extensive. I was going to get a Sony, but when I handled one, it didn't feel right. Then I was going to go with Canon, but there was also an Olympus at the store and when I picked that one up, it just fit my hand perfectly. Found a great deal on one at CC with the dual lens kit and I've been adding on ever since.

Mostly I shoot in P mode and sometimes Aperture priority, but I'm determined to learn more about the controls. I took my manual to work the other day and during my lunch hour finally learned how to use it in manual mode! I might fool around with manual mode sometimes, but I find Olympus does a good job in P mode. Our local camera store has classes and there's one in March that I think I'm going to sign up for.

I can't say I've ever regretted going with Olympus over the big brands -- I love my camera and am getting a nice collection of lenses to go with it.

 

[LaurieG]

OK, I am HUGE lurker here and I have just decided that as of Jan. 1 I am going to start stepping out of my box and posting. I would LOVE to have a DSLR but for now have the Canon SX10 IS. No sense getting a standard if you can only drive an automatic!!

My DBF, now DH bought me a digital camera for my birthday back a few years ago and I have been hooked ever since. I have taken 1000's of pictures but would love to be able to take great photographs. I am truly inspired by all the work that I see here and stop in everyday to see what has been posted.

 

[tazdev3225]

While I sometimes post here I am basically a lurker. I feel a little intimidated by every one on here.
My story: I never liked being in a photo I always liked taking them. I know my first camera was a cheap Kodak. When I started working in my teens I bought a fancy Minolta 110 film camera. That was confiscated by my mom who didn't like that I had a better camera than her. After college and with my first real money I bought a Fuji ST601 35mm. I was then hooked. Unfortunately I never really learned the right way to use it as it had a built-in light meter and I used that to set my shots. I always tweaked a little higher or lower on the settings from perfect through the meter to see what difference it would make but didn't understand any of the technical language. I branched out wth this camera and had all the lenses I could find for it. Screw mounts are not easy to find.
When digital came around I resisted it. My DH bought me a Sony cybershot for Christmas in 2005. By August I was buying a Sony H-5, then the H-50. I also bought a canon powershot for my carry around camera (one that I could leave in the car). After coming back from Disney in 2008 I bought an Alpha 300 and this past summer a Fuji waterproof for the shore. Digital is the only way to go now.
I have been told that I take great pictures but after seeing what the people on here can do I feel like I'm a complete idiot. I have been playing around with my cameras to try and do more off of the auto setting and am really thinking of taking classes at my local Community College to get a better understanding of the camera. I take good pictures but not great pictures. They don't have the wow factor that I see here.
I will continue to lurk but wanted to add my story.