Where I'm Starting...
Day One… the first step on this new blogging journey! Where to begin…
I’ve always had a love of photography and travel, but only started taking it seriously when I got my first (and only) DSLR. Sadly I ended up using automatic mode for YEARS and didn’t really take it seriously. Occasionally I’d play around with different modes but I had no clue what I was doing so never made much progress. Come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve ever read the manual!
In more recent years I’ve slowly started to learn how to actually use the camera in manual mode, and with lots of practice (mainly on dogs), I started to get the results I was looking for. I spent hours watching and re-watching youtube videos and memorising cheat sheets like the one below. The thing that helped me the most, and really level up was drilling into my head these three things and how to use them: ISO, Apeture and Shutter Speed.
https://www.slrlounge.com/iso-aperture-shutter-speed-a-cheat-sheet-for-beginners/
Don’t get me wrong, I’m still constantly making mistakes, but that’s the fun of learning. Make a mistake and figure out where you went wrong so next time you can correct it. I like to think of these three things like balancing scales, if you move one you usually have to move another to get the right kind of shot.
Another thing that has helped me along the way was following other travel bloggers. As well as finding great travel recommendations, I was also introduced to the joys of Lightroom & presets. Lightroom is a free app from Adobe you can use on your computer or phone to edit photos, and a preset is a filter you can either make yourself, or download from other users! My favourite travel/lifestyle bloggers are @haylsa, @gypsea_lust and @shetravelledtheworld. I started using Haylsa’s presets a few years ago but now tend to create my own.
Before
After (Simplicity)
After (Purple Haze)
Let’s talk about equipment. Currently I own the following: -
Nikon D3300 with 18-55 mm/F 3.5-5.6 AF-S G DX ED II 18 mm lens (DSLR)
Fujifilm Zoom Date 145 35mm (Film)
Fujifilm Fotonex 200ix Zoom Date APS (Film)
Polariod?
iPhone 12
Camcorder?
I’ve had my Nikon D3300 a while now and when looking for the next challenge, I thought about either upgrading my lens, or trying film format. As you can see from the list above I went with film format! Both the Fujifilms are from Ebay, they come used but in good condition (apparently) but of course have no film or battery. I was inspired by @audriestorme to thrift an old 00’s film camera and just try the old point and shoot. Her recent instagram pictures are so beautiful and simple, and I really love the retro vibe they have. First step in this journey is to find batteries and film for both these cameras and give them a go! I also have a HUGE polaroid camera somewhere in my garage or attic… I just have to find it. And then we also have an old-ish camcorder that hasn’t seen the light of day in over 10 years so I’m keen to see what that looks like too.
List of things to do
Find Film & Batteries for Fujifilm cameras (and pray they work)
Find the Polaroid camera, get film & betteries for that too
See how the camcorder looks
Shoot 2-3 planned Autumn shots (tbc) on Nikon D3300
Plan itinary for upcoming trips to Durham (November) & Copenhagen (December)