Introduction
Updated: Apr 17
My beginnings...
I’ve never had interest in cameras. The only camera I've ever used was from a cell phone, taking quick snaps to never delete and never look at again.
Fall of 2024 I had a friend ask if I could record something for them using their camera. I quickly admitted they’d have to teach me to use one, but of course I’d help. Fast forward to that project not happening, but the yearning for knowledge continued.
October 8th 2024, I took the train into Chelsea to check out the stock at Foto Care. I’m actually happy the experience in the shop was lovely, as the clerk who helped me doesn’t know she set me on quite the path—of quiet expression, and an empty wallet.
Choose a FujiFilm X-T50 that day, ran home to set it up eagerly, and snapped my first photo. A few days before, I researched on Youtube University how to operate a camera, what an aperture was, and other options I may like. Decided quickly that I wanted to learn from the bottom up, so I disabled all auto functions, ordered a prime lens, and committed to manual shooting. My first photo wasn’t the greatest, but man was I thrilled that it was in focus! That was good enough for me, for now.
I spent hours after hours since that first image, taking walks to the park, pier, coffee houses, you name it. I was having a great time, learning something new was fun but seeing my progress kept the excitement up. I had no idea what I wanted to capture, colors I preferred, shapes, or other concepts for that matter. The act of getting outdoors and making an effort to try is how I fell into what I currently enjoy documenting—the streets.
I’ve grown from aimlessly taking photos, and now begin my walk sessions with a task, or a question. Doing this, I also grew out of SLRs and into rangefinders. Purchased a Leica M240 on KEH for a good deal, and got into a grove. I didn’t often use the LCD on the Fuji, so I disabled it on the Leica the same. Learning curve for sure, but I preferred this way of shooting.
By now, i’ve amassed quite the collection of images and needed to teach myself how to edit. Back to Youtube U! Choose On1 Photo Raw, then Lightroom Classic/Photoshop. The minute I learned, I came to a realization that I enjoy grain on my images, that I’m attempting to mimic film in all of the edit. Color, texture, grain. If I’m spending time editing to mimic, why don’t I just shoot film?!
Back to KEH..
Leica MP is what I use currently. I carry it daily and at least two rolls of film. Cinestill 800T and Ilford HP5 being fast favorites. My editing times are much quicker, and I tend to only adjust highlights and dust removal now. I’m still having a great time on my walks, and those have evolved into their own projects. More learning, more growth, and more film!
One year later, I’m excited for what’s to come, and happy to share my journey.
Thanks for reading!
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