My friends call me Clyde, and I assume that if you are reading my blog, you are my friend as well. I do not see myself as a real professional photographer because I never made any money out of it. But I believe I have a smart eye for the details and those little and big things that people do not even see around us. I have some amazing pictures that I am saving on my laptop, but I never publish. A friend of mine told me that some of them are good enough to be on the National Geographic magazine or at the professional photography websites. But who knows…? I still think that I can be much better, and when I feel ready, I hope I can share those pictures with all of you too!
The Photography Around Us
Photography is becoming very mainstream. At least 50% of the human population has phones in their pockets. And most of those phones have a camera good enough to take a picture that can be absolutely remarkable with a little bit of editing, some skill, and a lot of individual vision. In recent years, let us not forget that we have a professional like Steven Soderbergh who shot a feature film with an iPhone. So, if that is possible, everything that you think you can do with your phone, or your camera is achievable.
Shoot, Shoot and Shoot
If you have a passion for photography just shoot as much as you can. Back in 2007, when my mum brought me my first mobile phone from Netherland, I was so happy. The camera was nothing compared to what we have on the market now, but what is important was that it made me think of what moments I could capture. I started taking pictures of my friends, of some flowers and animals, of everything. I was addicted. Now when I open those folders on my old computer, I laugh. I have one good picture of 1000. And when I compare them to my recent photography work, I feel so proud of myself, of how my vision has changed. When I was 19 living in America, I saved all my money to buy a DSLR camera and a good lens. And having it in my hands made me dream and made me work and shoot and shoot. Then I realized shooting it is not up to what device you have or the good lenses. It is only up to your imagination and the way you see reality and what captures your eye. So, my advice to you is to shoot every day. Please put it on a portable hard and check how your vision is changing. See what you do not like and what can be done better. And do not forget to dream that your pictures can change the world and make it a better place one day.