From There to Here

Posted by Melissa W. (Warsaw, Indiana, United States) on 29 August 2008 in People & Portrait.

Exactly a year ago today, I received a box from the UPS man that has forever changed my life. As an early birthday present to myself (my birthday is Sept. 8th), I purchased my camera with the thought that it would make for a nice hobby, and if nothing else maybe I'd learn to take better vacation photos (never thinking it would lead me to where I am today).

In the past, my husband has tried to get me involved with his hobbies (mainly golf and bowling) to give us something to do together, but they really weren't a fit for me. I always felt like I had some artistic creativity inside me just waiting to come out, but I just hadn't found the right outlet.

Over the past year, I've devoured many books from my local library, sat in front of my computer for countless hours researching/reading different websites about photography, and have watched numerous tutorials. I had no idea that this little hobby would quickly turn into an obsession.

I am so grateful to be a part of such a wonderful community. You all continue to inspire and teach me daily. I also want to send a special thank you to the following: danthro, Ron, Graham, paulski, Will, Edward James, Gary, twelvebit, Jen, Anita, MaryB, GJC, Mandy, and Rags.

This photo was the very first portrait I shot that day with my camera, straight out of the camera. Even though it technically isn't right, I still love it.

Listed on Photoblogs.org

Comments (15)

Kylie Greenan from Richmond, Australia

Hey Mel, I don't know why you say it technically isn't righ, I think it is a wonderful natural portrait, great DOF, lovely natural light, good use of the rule of thirds and even better it is your first portrait... well done! It looks like it has been a wonderful year, congratulations!

29 Aug 2008 9:06am

@Kylie Greenan: Thank you so much. Actually, it's hard to see here, but the eyes are really soft. Oh well, what can I say... :)

Ron from Saint Louis, United States

What a beautifully touching story to share and a great warm smile with which to start the day. Your story mirrors my story in many ways (I bought my D40 almost 7 months ago today), and your creativity, talent and passion inspire me in countless ways. I've enjoyed being an onlooker and, yes, a fan of your work ... here's to another year of boundless growth and expanding horizons ... cheers, Melissa!

29 Aug 2008 10:48am

@Ron: Thank you so very much, Ron. Your continued support and encouragement means so much to me. I, too, am a fan of your work, and always look forward to your posts. Thanks again!

Aaron Schmidt from Auckland, New Zealand

Congratulations on your year of shooting. You've got some wonderful photos on Am3 and I look forward to many more. This is a wonderful portrait of your husband. Well done.

29 Aug 2008 11:28am

@Aaron Schmidt: Thank you so much for the kind words, Aaron. They are very much appreciated. :)

Jen from Alpharetta, United States

It's a wonderful casual portrait! Which personally I prefer!
Congrats on your first year with your new camera...and I am sure you will have many more to come!
Great work, keep it up!

29 Aug 2008 1:53pm

@Jen: Thank you so much, Jen. I'll do my best.

Graham Russon from Cape Town, South Africa

Since joining A3, special part of my day is set aside, where I can visit my A3 friends. Here I marvel, whistle, applaud, laugh, get jealous, criticize and generally escape in this wonderful world of photography.

I have so enjoyed your work, and look forward to seeing what treat you bring each day. In addition I cherish all the comments and remarks you have made, as they inspire and motivate me to keep shooting.

So thank you, for making A3 such a special place.

29 Aug 2008 2:53pm

@Graham Russon: Graham, that is very lovely for you to say. Thank you so very much for your continued support and encouragement. It means more than you know. I never would have thought in a million years that I'd meet so many wonderfully talented and supportive people. I love this community and cherish the friends that I've made.

Rags from Plano, United States

wow! I am so amazed and glad that I am an inspiration to you. You take great images and that's a fact. What is also cool is that i was born on sept 8th too!

29 Aug 2008 4:56pm

@Rags: I love your images...they are so creative. I love how your portraits have a wonderful storytelling quality to them. That is very cool that we share the same birthday. :)

paulski from Muncie, IN, United States

wow! one year, huh? i would have guessed you'd been doing this for much longer than a year; in fact, i've always thought of you as one of the better, more experienced bloggers at aminus3. wow...

so props to an exceptional first year; may it be the first of many!

-paulski

29 Aug 2008 6:00pm

@paulski: Yep, one year. I can't believe how fast this year has flown by. I'm such a naturally shy/introvert person that I was apprehensive to put myself out there (sort of speak) here at am3 for everyone to see, but I'm so glad I have. You guys encourage, inspire and challenge me daily, and I am so very grateful. I always look forward to your posts. Your macro work is exceptional!

paulski from Muncie, IN, United States

p.s.: love the portrait. if i can dig it up, i'll post the first pic i took with my new d80, almost two years ago...

29 Aug 2008 6:16pm

@paulski: Yes, you'll definitely have to dig it up. I'd love to see it. :)

danthro from Suburbia, United States

thank YOU! love seeing your photos! they're inspiring--especially the light ;) -- it's hard to believe you hadn't started taking photos before a year ago--even by your first aminus3 post your work was amazing. i decided to go back and look at all your posts, in a weird way it was almost like going through memories (e.g., 'i remember that one!') and i have to say they're even more enjoyable as a collection, one after another. i tried to narrow down my current favorites, but i could only narrow it to seven. sort of in order (but not completely) they are: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7.

29 Aug 2008 10:46pm

@danthro: It's always about the light, isn't it? ;) You're one of the people that I always look forward to reading your comments. Sometimes they're insightful, and other times they just crack me up. (in a good way) :) Even though I've never met you or anyone else from am3 in RL, I consider you one of my closest friends here. Your friendship and continued support means the world. Thank you so much. :)

Twelvebit from Victoria, United States

Well, I guess it depends on where you want to take it because it appears to me that you can do this at a professional level.

1 Sep 2008 4:49am

Edward James from New Hampshire, United States

Wow, I got a "shot out"!!! Thanks so much for the words. And more importantly, thanks so much for the outstanding work you never fail to deliver to your viewers. You had an eye for photography the second you looked thru that viewfinder. This is proof.

3 Sep 2008 12:45am

@Edward James: Did you honestly think I'd leave you out?! Sheesh! ;)

GJC from Kyoto, Japan

What a wonderful shot and testament. (And I recognize that wall and that plant from some other family photos!) It has been great fun to visit this blog and see your enthusiasm and your experiments. I feel very lucky to be able to check in regularly and see what you are up to. Keep up the good work! Here's to another year. I wonder what will be in that birthday box this year . . . . .

4 Sep 2008 6:51am

@GJC: Thank you so much for the kind words. They are greatly appreciated.

Oh, this year's birthday box won't be nearly as exciting as the last...I only splurged for an upgrade on Lightroom 2.0. :) Maybe next year will be bigger. Thanks again!

Ramsey from Warsaw, United States

I personally think it's a great shot. It seems to capture the person in their natural state. Don't pay attention to the "experts" and their classical lighting mantra shoot what you like.

3 Oct 2008 1:22pm

Anita from West Nottingham, United States

Melissa: I've been catching up with your blog, working my way back from your current post. What a visual treat this has been! There is something special about looking all at once at lots of photos by the same photographer--one gets a feel for that photographer's work. As I've said before, you excel in portraits!! It is fitting that a portrait was your first image. Thanks for sharing your story. Your progress in one year is considerable. Congratulations! :-)

7 Aug 2009 1:00pm