A lil portrait photography back on the blogspot days, I had no idea how to do post-processing then
When the burst of Photography fad came in, I could almost always see a person carrying a DSLR around their neck wherver I go. Be it the mall, the streets, public transportation, parks, homes, and even in the church, PEOPLE have them.
Apart from the physical aspect of photography being a more visible hobby, I started seeing posts online saying “Having a DSLR doesn’t make you a photographer, it makes you a DSLR owner.” Well at a certain level yes and no. But for that argument, I’ll save it for later.
Growing alongside with this love for photography, people seem to flock on two niches: Portrait and Wedding photography. I would understand why since these two can pool in some serious cash to help them in their purchase of more gear. In line with the title of this article, I have to say the reason why I try to avoid this niche is because I will admit, I’m not very good at it. Yes, I’m not good at wedding photography nor Portrait.
I can pull in some decent shots here and there but that’s just it. It’s not my passion and it’s not my specialty. I can’t pull in those super awesome shots some TRUE portrait photographers pull in. I understand some BASIC principles but nothing more than what other people could do.
If anyone asks me to shoot a wedding or a glamour shot, I do get tempted to do it for money (yes, I’m also short in cash), but I would always tell them or recommend to them those who are really experienced in the field of Wedding photography or those who are experienced in shooting corporate events. Me? I’ll stick to what I love doing the best: Wildlife photography.
The White Collared Kingfisher, rescued after a crash during a stormy night.
Though I’m still not super awesome, but I love what I’m doing anyway. I love the wild, I love the freedom of life, I love nature. I love photography. I love shooting birds like the White Collared Kingfisher. And to those out there who are still looking for their niche, stop attempting to do or be something you are not. Just be yourself and shoot what you love. (shoot in the sense of taking photos, please don’t quote me about shooting someone you love to death.)
Love what you photograph. Create art, not just post-processed results of machines.
A photoblogger in his twenties, Johnn’s advocacy is to share photos to the world. He loves freediving, birding, reading, eating, travelling and meeting new people. He is usually game for anything new and interesting. You can follow him on Twitter: @Photoblogger
Johnn, magpapaturo ako sayo ng photography. hahaha
@Dylan sure thing
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I heard the artist in you speaking – the reluctance to be pulled into something for the lure of money. It irks me too when people always yell “money, money, money”. Hehe
I’m quite interested to know your take about DSLR cameras becoming more ubiquitous. You take awesome shots, btw. Puwede sa blog camp kay naay session nga basic photography then mo-teach ka?
- Mauie
@Mauie
since you requested it I will consider it 
Thanks Mau! very well said 
same thoughts on wedding and portraits.tsk
post process i think is a different art. i am a frustrated photoshopper. i have high respects to those who do it well, ang hirap kaya..hehe.. frustrated photoshopper here.
hehehe, post process is what I believe to be an extension of a particular art.
I hear you! It’s just like people labelling themselves as web or graphic designers because they can do stuff in Photoshop or what have you. It takes a certain understanding to execute a good design not just coming up with pretty images.
@Charles yeah
hello charles! nice to see you visiting my blog again. It’s been awhile 