Photography is more than just capturing moments; it’s about preserving emotions, freezing time, and expressing creativity. My passion for photography began in 2008, at a time when smartphones were just starting to include cameras. Back then, I didn’t own a DSLR or even a digital camera, but I had a deep fascination with capturing the beauty of the world around me. Here’s a look back at my journey.
The Early Days: Phones as My First Cameras
In 2008, I started experimenting with photography using the tools I had at hand — my phone. One of the first phones I used was the Nokia N70-1, a device that sparked my curiosity in photography. Though limited by today’s standards, this phone allowed me to step into the world of visual storytelling. It wasn’t about high-quality pixels; it was about capturing what I saw and felt.
One of my earliest memories was taking a portrait of my brother. It was a simple yet significant shot, as it marked the beginning of a journey.
I soon moved on to using phones like the Nokia 6300 and Samsung L700, experimenting with nature and landscape photography. One of my shots from that period is a black-and-white landscape I captured using the Nokia 6300.
Another memorable piece was a creative shot of hands at work, which I took with the Samsung L700.
The Game-Changer: Nokia N95
In 2008, my gear upgraded once again. I got the Nokia N95, a game-changer with its 5-megapixel camera — state-of-the-art for a phone at the time. The N95 allowed me to dive deeper into photography, capturing more detailed and vibrant photos. This period was instrumental in helping me refine my skills, learn about composition, and experiment with different angles and lighting. The photo below was taken with Nokia N95.
Stepping Up: My First Digital Camera
As my passion grew, I realized I needed a dedicated camera to fully explore my creativity. In came the Sony DSC S950, my first digital camera. With this camera, I started to pay more attention to the technical aspects of photography. This stage of my journey was when my hobby began to transform into a serious passion. I experimented with various styles, from nature shots to portraits, and I could see a significant improvement in the quality of my work. Below is one of the photos I took during this time that holds a special place in my heart.
Ice melting: Photo taken with Sony DSC S950 / 2010
Enter the DSLR World: Nikon D7000
In 2011, I took the biggest leap in my photography journey — I got my first DSLR, the Nikon D7000. This camera opened up a world of possibilities and allowed me to truly express my creativity without the limitations I had previously faced. Whether I was photographing landscapes, portraits, or even intricate details, the Nikon D7000 became my trusty companion. I still use this DSLR today, and it has been with me on countless adventures, helping me capture memories and moments that I will treasure forever. Below is one of the landscape photos I took with this camera.
Looking Forward
From the humble beginnings of phone cameras to mastering a DSLR, my photography journey has been a learning experience filled with trial, error, and growth. Each device, whether it was a phone or a camera, taught me something new about the art of photography. Today, I continue to explore new techniques and push the boundaries of my creativity, always remembering where it all started.
Photography is an ever-evolving journey, and I am excited to see where it will take me next.
This is a short story of my photography evolution — where it began, the tools that helped me grow, and the passion that continues to drive me today. Whether you’re using a phone camera or a DSLR, remember that it’s not about the equipment; it’s about the story you want to tell.