A Photographers Journey from the beginning
Ambitions
Philosophy: The approach
Oct 19th
I am starting to think that I spend too much time in an office surrounded by researchers. Sometimes our discussions evolve around what theoretical framework is the piece of research is informed. In essence, doesn’t this boil down to the philosophy? Or what sort of point of view a research is tackling a particular project? Another way to phrase it, is what is the angle?
The more I think about this little project of mine (perhaps it is not so little…huge…) I need to keep in mind what is my philosophy? What will be driving me? I guess I could simply state them as: “mission”; “vision”; “core values/principals”. In essence it boils down to who am I and the philosophy that I carry and see the world.
I want this piece of web to be more of an outlet for creativity. I want to be able to explore themes and projects through photos. I want this space to be more than just a another “wedding” photo site because I am a person who has many interests. I have a passion for the environment, poverty, and global justice. I seek to understand the world through other people’s experiences. I’d be naive to think that I could change the world with my photos…but I realize that they are my way of living a mark in this world. They are mine.
I believe things happen for a reason. My approach is to document how things are and use an “organic approach”. (Although I am not opposed to the stage moments…this is another discussion in itself) I call myself the “stealthy paparazzi” because my goal is to go unnoticed. I am the observer in the distance watching things unfold and capturing the important moments as they come. I watch the game like an avid sports fan and watch for those special moments that people will remember forever.
Developing the Plan
Oct 16th
In my first post, I briefly outlined what I am trying to achieve, that is to chronicle my journey as a photographer. To help me refine the vision I have begun to develop a workplan with some clear goals.
Goals:
- To develop a fully functional and presentable website to showcase my portfolio.
- To determine the business model I would like to practice
- To enhance my knowledge and skills as a photographer
To develop a fully functional and presentable website to showcase my portfolio
I want to have my hand in every aspect of this journey. From conceptual design to actually coding, I want to imprint my own stamp. I know that I there are other alternatives out there for those that lack the time, skills and ability. However, I know that for myself I would be truly disappointed in myself if I didn’t go through this process myself. After all, one of my interests is webdesign and have done it on the side since high school. I have the skills and ability and would like to present something that I can call my own. I am excited to have to the chance to explore how users interact with content, apply good design technique, and build on my current skillset.
To determine the business model I would like to practice
This sounds like an odd goal, but I wasn’t exactly sure how to put in a sentence. I can most likely devote a few posts on exactly what I am thinking. In essence, I want to develop a philosophy that I will live by and keep in mind while pursuing this. At the same time, I want this to be the business model that I will form the foundation.
To enhance my knowledge and skills as a photographer
Obvious, but constant learning is a passion of mine. I would like to delve into a bit of history, theory, and background.
What Happened?
Oct 15th
Hello …
If you are repeat viewer or a new comer, you probably were expecting something else. I expect that you were looking for a portfolio with some flash and a pretty design showcasing photos that I took from various events (mainly weddings). Well, perhaps come visit me within a few months (or more…) – I will have something to display by then, but in the meantime please continue reading as I explain this project (or lack of things to showcase)
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about my career goals, aspirations, desires, and exactly what I want to do. I figured that by now (a year ++) would have given me enough time to determine my future education and career position that I want to achieve. Rather, it has done the opposite. I’ve found new avenues of interests to explore and has made these decisions even harder. In the end, I have fallen to the “too many interests-unable to decide” model.
So how does this relate to my photography? Well in many ways, photography has been a way for me to pursue my many interests through the the photo-medium. Lately, I haven’t been doing that. In short, I lost myself a bit in the past year.
Thus, I am proposing a very early “New Year’s resolution”. One that will put me back on track. This blog will chronicle my journey to revamp my whole “business”. You will see this site evolve in terms of design and content. I will share my first hand experience in re-creating my business (although I know that there are a ton of articles out there right now). And, include a few oddities and ramblings.
The concept of this project is still in its early stage. I can only see where this will take me. Wish me luck.