I've always been into video, but I never really knew much about the technical side of capturing images. I was pretty good with video editing software and would constantly mess around with programs like Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premier, Sony Vegas Pro, Windows Movie Maker (when I first started), and even Adobe After Effects. At some point I was even working on rendering 3D objects and messing around with a green screen. Despite all this, I never knew much about what goes into capturing a good image. When I finally decided to pick up a camera and start taking pictures I didn't know the kind of world I'd be walking into. I went into this knowing that I'd never use my camera on the auto setting. If I was going to invest in my equipment that meant investing time as well. I spent hours upon hours studying anything I could about photography and I still do. I was, and still am, taking as many pictures as I could and working on my post processing which is the second half of making a great image. It's exciting because I'm still at a stage where I'm learning something new everyday. I'm always finding better ways to improve my composition and getting my exposure right in as little tries as possible. I'm always improving my post processing which is half of making a great image.
I love my decision to go into photography. I haven't felt a better feeling than giving a client their photos and hearing the positive feedback. It really drives me to be the best that I can be. I don't consider myself a great photographer, but I can say with 100% confidence that I am putting in as much effort as I can to become one.
If there's one piece of advice I can give it's to practice. Practice as much as you can. Take pictures every day, and it never hurts to give away a few free shoots when you're starting just so you can start building a portfolio. Practice your post processing so you can stand out from the rest. It's crazy how many photographers don't even know how to edit and it shows in their work. Remember, its not the equipment that makes the picture, its the person behind it. You can have a 10 year old DSLR or a brand new top of the line camera, but you wont get great pictures if you don't take the time to learn.
-Adan Garcia Jr
The A in A K Photography