After starting up the website and writing a brief bio, I thought I'd start a blog to go alongside and talk about adventures if any happen whilst out and about with the camera.
I have always been interested in photography since I was a child using the old kodak 110mm film cameras and other disposables, taking photos mainly of skies, can't say I had an eye for composition and the rules of thirds at that age, but enjoyed being outside and then taking the default photos of the cat to use the film up and take it to be developed. Why is it though, the film casing always said 12 or 24 exposures and you'd normally squeeze out 13 or 26 instead?
On one family holiday I recall going to Paignton Zoo and my father asking a photography kiosk attendant if he had a film for his camera. I don't recall what it was but the guy had never seen such a camera and didn't have anything suitable. He might as well have been shown a box brownie as far as I was concerned.
My first camera was a 35mm compact but I was so excited as it had a flash gun that detached. I was probably between 10-15, but I thought it was the business. A few years later I saved and bought myself a minolta, again a compact but this time with a built in flash as at that age having to remember both body and camera was a hassle.
Flash forward to my early twenties and I bought my first SLR off of a friend of mines father in law. It was a canon 300D. I started learning from there and eventually sold my first set of photos to a local university that was a set of panoramic of their new sports facilities. To say I was well chuffed was an understatement.
This gave me the incentive to upgrade to a 400D and now to a 650D.
I've been very fortunate to go to Paris with Canon Photoplus magazine where I got to learn cityscape photography with Canon Pro Renaud Visage, whilst socialising with staff from the magazine. I learnt a hell of a lot from those 36hrs and will never forget the trip.
I've since have been awarded a diploma in photography through The Photography Institute and am currently doing additional modules in Landscape and Travel, Sports and Entertainment and Portrait photography.
I enjoy going out with my camera whenever I get the chance and am lucky to have such good friends who also enjoy it who push me to grow as a photographer and think more about the creative side. Check out my good friend and fellow photographer Jon Bessants site https://www.facebook.com/JonBessantPhoto
Photography has also been a way for me to cope with anxiety and depression. I'm blessed in the knowledge that I do not suffer from either condition greatly but when it hits I do struggle, which makes realise what people who suffer from it more than I do are going through and always support anyone through it. I find, for me, it takes my mind off the anxieties that are triggering my feelings and concentrate on the job in hand. Only problem comes from when doing the photography becomes the issue, for example, doing the portrait module will take me out of my comfort zone as I don't enjoy taking portraits so it will push my boundaries and hopefully grow as a photographer.
I hope to write another blog soon so hope you enjoyed my first and I haven't rambled on too much.
Any feedback will be greatly received.
All the best
Andrew Miller
