I started to love taking pictures since I was a kid, since I started to be conscious about what I post on social media, when I started to play around with the colors and light. I don't know about photography that much, but I take more pictures than ever now that cameras and smartphones have made photography so much easier. I take more because I started to have my own camera. From films to digital ones. If you’ve know me here for long, you know that picture-taking is a passion of mine, and in case you’re wondering why I’m so shutter-happy and now I realize the important role they play in a happy life. Here's why:
I wish I could tell to my younger self, Hannah, don't take photos of special occasions—take photos of everyday life. That's what will interest you later.
For me, it’s a thing. And it’s not a work. Though it could be profession for some of course.
I pretty much never pick up my camera out of a sense of duty, not in a sense of “you should shoot to be paid”. I actually shoot and get paid for some times, but I would rather pick it up because I want to document something or capture something or even someone. I take pictures for the personal pleasure on. I take pictures when I do not at all want to become a professional photographer I really thought I’d want to and as it turns out, that I don’t. I’ve done portraits, debut photos, street shots, in gigs, product shoots for my friends, and it makes me glad to be able to offer something that might otherwise be out of reach financially.
I'm always trying to figure out ways to hold on to memories. I don't have the time or energy to write much every day though at times I would rather tell a story inside it to my boyfriend, I can manage to jot down one sentence on my journal, or even tweet them. Photographs are another easy way to record little moments that are precious but easily forgotten.If I didn't have photos to remind me, I might get fuzzy on the details. For instance, you have to capture the time you own a dog. That's important, because due to a phenomenon known as "negativity bias," it's easier to recall bad times than good ones. Having snapshots of the latter keeps them vivid in our minds.
Photography is my comfort thing and and creative outlet. Experimenting with different lighting, new places to shoot, varied backdrops, new colors, and sometimes, new equipment, is really enjoyable for me. You can also help your mental health whenever your anxiety attacks.
I love to share photos. While part of the joy comes in capturing the pictures, I also really love sharing them with other people on social media, through my Instagram stories or posts, or in person that usually ends up taking them in Instagram account I’ve made. I love seeing people uploading their portraits that I took. I love seeing them loving my work. It’s a fulfillment.
And while the initial equipment investment is a little bit steep, honestly, averaged out over the years, this hasn’t ended up being a crazy expensive creative outlet. Though this is due to the fact that I’m not a compulsive upgrader. I should tend to keep my equipment for a long time because this one is one of mu investment in my life. Buying my own shit and keeping them all together is an insane delight. What more when you get paid for doing what you love? It’s a different thing but it is also a good one. That’s indeed an investment and fulfillment in other way.
Photos help me see the beauty in my life. It could help you to wake up in the morning to see how beautiful a sunrise, to appreciate more the light, the little things from above. Something about practicing photography sharpens your eye, makes you more able to see the lovely things in life, to notice beautiful clouds, rich light from the setting sun, how cozy the street is, a beautiful smile of a kid, your beautiful friend. I feel like I wore a glasses where I can see 20/20 vision and I see a richer life than I could see before.
