beginning

Ever since I could remember I was always the child that was easily impressed with the beauty of something as simple as a cloud in the sky. I have always been fascinated with images - both still and moving, and have always been intrigued by pictures. I was especially fond of those images that would spark imagination like those of the never ending paths where I would imagine what could be waiting at the end, or the abandoned objects, for example; a toy shovel stabbed into a hill of sand at the beach. I would think of the possibilities of how it got there and what that single toy shovel could have built. I was always an imaginative one, writing a lot of stories, poetry, and even journal entries. I over analyzed everything and at times even came to my own conclusions to certain scenarios I could not explain.

Growing up in this modern world of computers and videogames, writing became an “only sometimes” thing, and taking pictures was almost a “never” thing. The only time I really used a camera was in the latter part of my high school years where more outings and gatherings with friends were occurring and the need for taking pictures was greater so that it could be uploaded on social networking sites. Of course, after the film had been developed.

I purchased my first digital camera a few years back, an easy to use point-and-shoot. Through the years it served well, taking pictures of good times and random moments. It was perfect, however in the past year I started writing again, and with this writing came a renewed appreciation for pictures, the kind of pictures that document a time and tell a story. The kind of pictures that give you an unexplained feeling of mystery and force you to imagine. I guess the inspiration came from the various trips I have taken this year. I have visited Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Toronto and Varadero, Cuba. Yet, while most the of pictures that I have taken to document my trip with my digital camera or my iPhone were good, I now look back at some of those pictures and wonder how great they could have been if I only had a better camera.

Recently I decided to purchase a Nikon D60. Its great! Very easy to handle, fairly light weight, and it takes great pictures - in AUTO. However while trying all the other features and functions it has to offer, I just found myself frustrated and confused. I am usually great with user manuals and technology, but I just felt lost and intimidated, so I enrolled in the Introduction to Nikon D60 Part1 course at Henry's School of Imaging here in Winnipeg. The class was held a couple of weeks back, November 7th to be exact, and let me tell you, these classes really do help for anyone like me who is at the infant stages of using their Digital SLRs. They carry courses custom to the particular camera you have or tailor the course to a camera of close equality. I left feeling more confident than ever, even if we only covered some of the basics. I have already signed up for the Introduction to Nikon D60 Part 2 which is coming up this Saturday.

I hope this blog will inspire others who are also beginning this confusing but rewarding path to photography! I am hoping to use this as a tool to look back at areas that I have improved in, and areas I need improvement in (which right now is everything). I am hoping others can also use this as a tool, where they can take and trade tips and tricks. I am not trying to become a professional. I am simply a guy with a camera in his hand, standing in front of a moment, wanting to take a great picture!

Last night I decided to go out and take some shots to practice before I went back this weekend. I played around with the EXPOSURE COMPENSATION in the “P” mode. Here are some shots I took:

I also went out this morning in the St. Norbert area here in Winnipeg and took some random shots. Enjoy!

- brixxx