My Life in a Photograph

  Discovering My Passion Early On Right from the start of my educational journey, I have always been a hands-on person. From my earliest memories in school, I gravitated toward activities that allowed me to engage physically and creatively with the material at hand. There were times when I would be almost too slow in completing my tasks. I could sense the teachers’ growing impatience as I meticulously crafted my projects. They often expressed their frustration because I rarely finished a project within the allotted time frame. The overarching goal seemed to be hurrying up and finishing. There were always more important things to address in the curriculum. This pressure often overshadowed the joy of the creative process. While I recognize that subjects like math, science, and English are important, my heart was drawn to the arts. The Joy of Creating Creating something tangible sparked a passion within me that went beyond traditional learning. Whether it was a painting, sculpture, or...

  Discovering the World of Photography My interest in photography started with a tablet. Shocking! A photographer using something other than a traditional camera to take pictures may seem unconventional. However, everyone has to start somewhere. For me, that starting point was a simple tablet. Now, my tablet was not the most advanced model on the market. It didn't boast the latest features that many photography enthusiasts might consider essential. However, it was a gateway to creativity and exploration. It allowed me to capture moments in a way that felt both accessible and exciting. I found myself drawn to the vibrant colors and unique perspectives that I could capture through the device's lens. It was an intriguing experience. I quickly realized that photography was not solely about the equipment one used but rather about the vision and creativity behind each shot. The Early Days of My Photography Journey I began my photographic journey by taking decent photos of various sub...

  Discovering Nature’s Wonders I wandered through the Botanical Gardens, drawn in by the promise of spring’s bloom—and they did not disappoint. Everywhere I turned, color danced in the light. Beauty spilled over each petal and leaf. My eyes, wide with wonder, feasted on the endless variety. Familiar flowers reborn in forms I’d never imagined filled the landscape. Each step revealed a new delight. It was as if the garden whispered secrets only the still-hearted could hear. I slowed my pace, letting the moment unfurl like a blossom in the sun. There was no need to search—beauty found me gently and quietly. I stood still among the living poetry of the season. The Call of Spring As spring unfolds, the gardens come alive with delicate fragrances. Each bloom tells a story, a narrative woven throughout the verdant landscape. Tall trees provide a lush canopy overhead, while vibrant blossoms burst forth below. The soft rustle of leaves and the sweet melodies of birds create a symphony of na...

     There is more to photography than just printing on paper. Don't get me wrong; paper is great, and there is a lot of diversity in printing on it. Plus, paper is the go-to option for everyone wanting to display family photos on the wall, and it's one of the more affordable printing surfaces available. However, there are several other surfaces on which you can print to elevate your work. Options such as fabric, glass, wood, metal, and ceramic are just a few; the list goes on. You can either outsource your images for professional printing or do it yourself using materials available at local craft stores.      For the purpose of this post, I will describe my process of printing on glass  by myself. I will include links, descriptions, and images to showcase how I printed on glass. The overall process is not hard and allows you to be creative, putting the artist's hand back into photography.  When I first started, I researched several possible metho...

Choosing paper is an experience, one that may not seem like anything important. And if I am being honest who would really care about what type of paper your photos are printed on. Would it make much of a difference, and does it really matter? And I can confidently say it does. Taking a picture is more than just having a nice image that is only part of it. When it comes to printing it that is whole second part of it.  There are several different types of paper, and they all have different textures, coatings, shines, and feels. Each of these qualities play an important role in the final outcome of your image. There are two different types of fine art paper RC or resin coated, or fiber. Typical RC papers have an ink-receptive coating or plastic layer on its surface where the fiber paper has no coating, and the ink is directly placed on the fiber. The best way to describe the difference between the paper is RC papers are smoother in texture and fibers have texture. Standard RC Coated p...

Lee Miller: A Life is a biography by Carolyn Burke that explores the life of the renowned photographer, Lee Miller. Beginning with her early years, Burke delves into Miller's childhood and how traumatic experiences shaped her existence. Miller led a very bohemian and free-spirited life. Although she never received a formal education, she learned from professionals and her own experiences. Through her connection with Man Ray, who inspired her as his muse, she quickly fell in love with photography and worked closely with Vogue and British Vogue. Adopting a surrealistic style, Lee Miller became highly sought after for her unique and adventurous approach. Despite having several love affairs and being married, she was a free spirit who resisted being tied down to one person. During WWII, she served as a war correspondent and was the first and only woman to document the front lines, experiencing the brutality of war firsthand. Additionally, she was among the few who captured the horrifyi...