2010 - An Introspection

2010 had been a great year and it would be remiss of me if I let it go without looking back.


In 2010 I attended my first photography workshop. I attended a workshop in Adorama given by David Piazza. He had a model present for his presentation and I took some photos of the model while David was giving his presentation. After the talk, the speaker, model and participants stayed a while and I took more pictures of the model from my seat. She was posing for some of the participants who went closer to her to get better shots. But I couldn't bring myself to go nearer. Finally, she saw me from my seat and she posed for me. That's when I got the courage to approach her and take her pictures up close. I was shivering the whole time and my hands got really clammy.


And that was the start of the website: www.theshyphotographer.com. I already had a blog for some time but 2010 was the year I had my own web domain. And I have that lovely lady to thank for. I wish I knew her name so that I will be able to thank her, but, alas, I was too shy to ask.


In 2010, I met professional photographers for the first time. But the one that left the best impression on me was Moose Peterson. I attended a talk he gave in Adorama (yes, I love going to Adorama) and after his talk, I felt very much inspired. I hope that, like him, I will be able to produce pictures that will also be able to pull heartstrings.


In 2010, I was also able to get 8000 hits for my website. I know that this is a far cry from the big websites that gets millions of unique hits but I am humbled by the fact that I am able to share what little I know about photography.

I was able to attend my first Canon Expo in 2010. I was greatly and pleasantly surprised that I got an invite to such a wonderful event. I was able to check out and use cameras that I only dreamed off among other things. I was able to use a Canon Eos 1Ds mark III with a Canon EF 200mm f/2 lens! I was able to use a 50mm f/1.2, 70-200mm f/2.8, etc. I am hoping that I will eventually have those lens but the Canon Expo will tide me off in the meantime. In that same expo, I was able to listen to talks given by Vincent Laforet, Robert Farber, Denis Reggie, and more.


2010 also saw me enroll in my first photography class. I met some wonderful people who also want to improve their photographic skills. I got a lot from that class, probably more than I gave. Being able to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of a photo was a very good learning experience.


In 2010, I got my first client. A friend was graduating from her PhD and she got impressed with my photos that she contracted me to take photos of her and her friends during and after the graduation ceremony. It was a very satisfying experience and I am glad that she also liked the results.


And of course 2010 was the year I won a Canon 5D Mark II with a Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 lens, plus much more. This contest was held by Scott Bourne and I got really, really lucky that out of his 80,000 plus followers, my twitter name was the one that got the lucky draw. He has a lot of detractors but I am proof that his contests are true and he really does give away very expensive prices.


So, what now for 2011?


I still have a lot to learn so I enrolled in a portraiture class. I wish to improve the little skills that I have and I find it very helpful to have a professional to look and critique my photos. There is also a model in that same class so I hope that my shyness will be cured once and for all; or at least lessened. I plan to keep the www.theshyphotographer.com domain because I think it's cute (insert smiley here) but I hope my own shyness will be exorcised from me.


I had my first client in 2010 but it turned out that she was my only client. I hope that people will be able to see my portfolio and think that I am worth a try.


I am also trying to learn the business side of photography and I am starting it off by reading Fast Track Photographer by Dane Sanders. A few chapters into the book and I already know that this book will be a great help in this regard.


Also, I wish to share the little knowledge that I know for those who are willing to ask, learn and participate. This website is the primary way for me to connect with the world and I wish to have a healthy discussion with those who would like to listen. I'll continue to share things through this site and I hope that other people would find it helpful.


2010 had been a great year and, at the start of the new year, I hope that 2011 would be much greater.