Before you criticize my post by just reading the title, I want you to stay with me for a few moment of your lives and read this.
Back when I finished High school, I realize that my dream as a photographer won’t come true unless I do something about it. So I did. I was only 18th at that time, young and full of spirit to begin my own journey in the industry of photography.
As a normal teenager, I don’t have that much money to begin with. I can’t even afford a camera. Fortunately, my sister gave me her DSLR camera. It’s a Nikon D5000, manufacture back on 2009. For some people, D5000 is a crappy entry level camera. But not for me. For me D5000 is a brick of gold, a precious one.
With my sister DSLR camera around I get to see all the setting and control in the camera itself. It was difficult at first just by reading and touching without shooting any object. So I said in my mind “Fuck it! I just got and shoot than!”. So I pack my camera plus a Nikon 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 kit lens to my really normal camera bag and go around Bali and take a whole bunch of photos.
I have circle Kuta, Legian and Seminyak area. Hoping that everything I’ve learned is useful. After about 5 hours of normal journey, I went back home. Very eager to edit my first photo. I plug the SD card to my laptop and open the file. It was shit.. I shit you not, that’s what I said. My photos is horrible, very amateurish. I deleted everything.. Literally everything.
“Not good enough” I said in my mind. I am very desperate because of the photos I produced..
After a lot of research of why my photos is bad and learning about
exposure and a lot more things. I decided that now I am ready to shoot again. I get in contact with a model agency and agree to take free photos of their cat walk practice. I came and sat in the middle of their catwalk session. I take a bunch of photos and saw everything through the live preview and everything looks fine.. Until I went home.. Some of them are okay, but a lot looks horrible. I think and think and think and finally get a solution. Maybe is wasn’t me that bad, but the camera. So I asked my dad for a new camera which he didn’t want to buy one for me. So I am stuck with my crappy D5000.
But one day everything is change. My cousin who work for a magazine told me that the best camera in the world is the one that you can afford. That hit me hard. I look at my camera and promise to get better. So I did. I learned from my mistake and get better every time. Every photo shoot teach me to become much better than before.
Tindal Family Photo Shoot
Family Fun Time in Bedugul
Melbourne Zoo
Melbourne Zoo
My Parent amused by what I have achieved and grant me a new camera body. It’s a Nikon D7100. I still use my D5000 as a back up camera. I’ve never goes to a photo shoot without it.
I realize that every camera and lens will be the best one if we know how to use their full potential. I myself was astonished by what my camera can achieve.
Remember that every camera need a good photographer to release the shutter button.
About the Author:Handoko Rama is a freelance photographer and cinematographer. Living his live in the island of Bali where everyday feels like holiday for him. Currently pursuing his dream job with Nat Geo and also reaching maximum level for his World of Warcraft Character.
portfolio: www.mibpictures.com
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