Writing about me is a strange angle to take, I usually write about stuff, photography stuff mostly. I enjoy what digital photography has given to each and everyone of us, though sometimes I can be a little snobby about ‘professional photographers’ who start on their business on the 26th of December, even before the recycling teams have picked up all the Christmas wrappers.
Though I do realise you have to start somewhere, so where did I start, and why? I dabbled in film, and made a complete hash of it. I jumped feet first into an empty pool and near killed my passion for it right there; it wasn’t until the advent of digital photography came in to its own that my interest for it came back. I started with compacts, like most people and tried to get it do everything an SLR could do but again failed. I didn’t realise just how fussy I was about the technicalities of taking a picture until I entered the big bad world of SLR’s.
So with a bag of f-stops and pocket full of shutter speeds I attempted to understand everything there was to know about my camera, and quickly realised that there is a long road to becoming a Pro. What really pushed my timeline was the news that my mother was diagnosed with cancer again, having lost my Dad to it 10 months before, I knew it was going to be a bit of a lifestyle change, so with what little camera gear I had, and just a little bit more knowledge of business, I embarked on the steady climb of being a portrait and commercial photographer. I’ve read countless books, practiced on willing participants and learnt from my many many many mistakes.
Sadly I lost my Mum, but she did one thing that I am truly thankful for, she reminded me of when I was a child, being the creative one. I’d kind of forgotten that growing up, I’d done what most of us do, I’d got practical. Which is probably why I dug myself into everything there was to know about being a photographer instead of becoming being one (if that makes sense). I’ve finally understood that you can’t be just a photographer if you want to make it a business, you have to specialise.
This is where I am today, by narrowing my field down to just 3 areas (there’s a lot more I can tell you), I’m first and foremost a wedding photographer. I love the interaction with people, I’m a people person, though the responsibility involved is immense, but I just simply love it. Secondly I’m a press photographer (for a local weekly newspaper), it’s not glamorous, but it pays the bills from month to month, and 3rd and finally; I’m just honest. If I’ve not done it before I’ll research it to the enth degree and try and put my spin on it, but it’s not something I’d be comfortable doing, I’d turn it down.
Before writing this, I was asked to include my style, which is a very hard question to answer, other than truthfully, I “wing-it”, which means I just go with the flow. If you understand your art and know the functions of your equipment to such a degree you can manipulate it quickly to do what you need it to do without thinking (like driving a car) then allowing yourself to ‘wing-it’ from time to time will bring out the creativity, and sometimes stunning moments captured in time.
🙂 it’s good to read the stories of other photographers! I’m in love with film myself, but haven’t had much experience since hs.
🙂 nice meeting you!
Thanks for your story! It’s nice to hear you’re pursuing your goal head on and not slowing down anytime soon 🙂
Simply loved your story and your photos are fab. Your honesty came out in your story and I love that about people. Keep your dream alive!
Great Photos. Don’t ever give up regardless of what critics say. Great story.
Darron,
Really nice piece. Well done for the honesty and the humour in your words. There are many ways and reasons to be a photographer. I think you have summed it up very well – you have to just want to do it.
Keep going.
Loved your story and the final push behind it. Sorry for your losses, but I’m happy to hear how well you are doing.
Keep up the good work, Darron.