What got you into photography?

[NicD]

Hey all,

I though it would be interesting to hear the reasons that people got into photography, and what kept them motivated.

Before you start, mention:
what level your at, pro, amatuer etc etc.
your first SLR
Age of first interest
things that kept you motivated
and most importantly, what got you into photography.

Ill start it off,


My first interest in photography came when i went to tasmania two and abit years ago, and held my first SLR. since then i have loved it, although it was only about 6 months ago i really got into it, which led to my 400D/XTI.
My first SLR was the canon eos 1000, then moved onto the 400D
Ametuer but learning well
what kept me motivated was the thrive to try and capture the perfect moment in time so it wont be forgotten, among with challenging myself to take better and better photographs.so there it is, thats my part, now whats yours?

[weka2000]

Took up photography as a form of stress relief, a way to get back to nature the quiteness of the outdoors.
My first DSLR was a 20D 3 yrs latter 1Dsmk3
Im a amature with expensive tastes :lol:
what keeps me motivated is that passion I have for landscapes. The adventure of discovering new areas around me that I would have never wise seen if it were not for photography
Im in IT so digital is an extension of that as well as the technological side of photography intrests me.

[Hermeto]

My Grade 7 physics teacher got me into photography, long time ago..
I was *almost* :D 14 at the time..

My first SLR was Yashica FX-3 which I paid through the nose..
I was never completely happy with its performance, so I went back to rangefinders shortly afterwards and got me a Zenit E, which I got practically for nothing and which I still have.

What got me into Photography still keeps me there: the ability to take a moment of solitude, look through the viewfinder and see what’s right with this world..

[fubarhouse]

Amazingly, I used to be one of the typical adolecents at Summernats (but I never drunk there). I always used drunk serverly one time I even deserved to die I was so stupid so I'm lucky to be alive, that's another story. I love to drink, I adopted a taste for single barrel bourbon & whiskey.

I always admired the comedy of the Fat Pizza crew, so me and a mate set out to do that sort of stuff with a videocam, never worked out, I wanted a better camera, so I got a debt for a really good HD videocam, I got a P&S and did video & photo for many car shows I went to, and I lose sight of the video side, and gained a huge interest in photography, and it went from there. I think it was because there's a lot more creativity and personalisation in photography that made me choose.

During the process I met my current girlfriend and I pretty much stopped drinking, but I love drinking still, I just do it less and it seems to cost me more to drink than anybody cause of particular choice :D

[SKnight]

I got into photography about six years ago at 29. My first SLR was a Canon AE-1 my Mother bought in 1978, of which I still own.

I went digital with a Fuji S-7000 four years ago, and got fairly proficient with it despite the lack of intercahngeable lenses.

Still a rank amateur, but trying to improve.

I like being able to capture the world as I see it. Not much into the staged shots, I prefer being in the background capturing what happens around me. Improving my skills and always trying for "That shot" keeps me interested even though I'm having trouble getting results with my new setup.

I can pin down what to one picture. I had that AE-1 on vacation, taking a few shots of the mountains, and managed to get this gorgeous shot of the mountains, trees, complete with a hawk flying across the scene. I have no idea what happened to that picture, but I decided then that I was going to persue this.

[Persephone]

I'm an amateur. The first SLR I technically handled was a Minolta from the 1970s (my mom's), the first digital was the 20D after a quick brief use of the D70 on a newspaper assignment.

Photography came to interest in 2003 when my dad bought a Kyocera from Hong Kong. I suppose the real origin was the devotion of my mother to take pictures at every event and gathering. I took it further by taking pictures of everything and preferring candid shots over posed ones. I took a few shots with the Kyocera (and later a PowerShot) but did not develop an interest in documenting everything - everyday photography - until November 2005.

Since then, the ever-increasing desire to photograph the moment - and the thought that there's the next day for the next moment - is the reason I continue to go out every day to take pictures even though if I know inside that i know that it's probably not going to be a good day anyway.

On the digital SLR front, the desire to want to become a newspaper photographer is what keeps me motivated to try to learn more and take moe shots.

[saravrose]

I have no idea what got me into photography... Looking back I have to say that I was always grabbing my dad's cameras. And he's always been a serious 'point and shooter' Earliest memory was maybe being seven. But I was always distracted by pictures I found them endlessly fascinating and more honest than paintings or drawings.

I am a fairly passionate amatuer. My first DSLR was an Xt, which I still have by the way. Thinking of turning into an IR.

As for motivation that depends on what i'm shooting, why i'm shooting it and what it's for. For landscapes because I think it's pretty or interesting or unusual or the light is too perfect not to make a photo out of it.

But for portraits I have to say that it's because of the people my small way of acknowledging the humanity that surrounds me and showing it's value. But in wildlife shots action, sports whatever it's for the adrenaline. There's nothing like knowing, not thinking but knowing that what you just took is the best of the day or week or month. And it's a kind of therapy. It's a great way to spend time with yourself. It focuses your energy concentration get's your left and right sides of the brain interacting.

[pprice]

what level your at, pro, amatuer etc etc.
Amature (about 2 months)

your first SLR
First was a Xt which I never used before I upgraded to the 40D about 2 weeks later.

Age of first interest
I have always like photography, but never went beyond point and shoot. I never even heard of something like shutter speed until the last 2 months.

things that kept you motivated
The desire to learn and become a "good" photographer

what got you into photography
I could not find anyone to take good quality pictures of my cars, I decided to learn how to do it myself. I bought a "good" camera to do so, then quickly found that I needed how to work it. This opened up a whole new challenge and world I never knew existed. Then I found this site and found that there is so many cool things you can do with a camera and the know how to use it :) .
.

[jrader]

I'm a serious amateur/semi-pro.

I first owned a Canon A40 P&S, then a Canon A75 P&S, and after it finally died, I upgraded to a 30D and haven't looked back.

I was always interested in photography, but I didn't have the patience for film. When I moved to Hawai'i 6 years ago, digital cameras were becoming affordable, so I made the jump.

To stay motivated, I have to say that has been easy. There is such a wide variety of beautiful things to see here, and I can always find something new that very few people ever get to see (I do remote hiking/camping). Not to mention a trip to Costa Rica :)

The main reason I got into photography was to have a visual memory of my life/experiences. I found out that Alzheimers runs in my family, so I thought it would be nice to be able to look back when I'm older at memories I may or may not remember.

John

[john-in-japan]

Greetings All -
Main reason - Age. I suddenly felt, just a few years ago, the need to record things I saw and felt that made and make an impact on me and that I could explain to my grandchildren. Sure I took pictures in the old days. My first SLR was a PetriFlex and then an Asahi Pentax Spotmatic II in the 1960s. Shot mostly slides, now moldy and faded from poor attention, much like the memories recorded by them. I have a drawer full of crinkled B&W photos. I don't want to make that mistake again. When I was young, time was not so important. I can always go back and take that picture or I will remember that place or event with clarity and share my thoughts. Not true. I didn't go back, I didn't get that picture, I have been to too many places to recall them all with clarity. And I want to shoot these incredible moments in time, not so much for me, but for my kids and their kids to know me better. To see what impressed me and what was important for me to record for posterity. In looking at my photos of them, I hope they will see themselves growing up in a way they could not have possibly recorded themselves at the time, and when they see my sunrises and sunsets, or landscapes, or places I have been and seen through the lens, it will inspire them to consider photography early in their lives. Maybe in a small way, it will record my existence. When someone says, what did my (great) granndpa look like? Or... what was he like? Perhaps my photos will speak for me. I hope they speak well of me and the world around me. I sure hope so.
John

[ELT_Photo]

The magic - at age 13 I saw prints "coming up" in the tray of developer and have been hooked ever since (Thanks, MR. Parno, hope you, HCB, and AA
are having a grand time).

[yogestee]

Long story for me.. I was into surfing but when I was 17 I had a surfing accident and couldn't surf for a month.. I met a pro photographer shooting a surfing contest while I was "sidelined".. He allowed me to look through his camera,,Nikon with a 650mm Century ( I think) lens and allowed me to take a few pics.. I was hooked.. Saved up my money and bought a Mamiya MSX 500 with 200mm tele lens to shoot my own surfing shots.. Got into portraiture and seascapes also..

A few years later I got a job as assistant to the photographic department at major iron and steel company.. Became department head later..

30 years as a pro photographer, 17 years with a newspaper.. Now teaching ESL in Laos..

[DStanic]

what level your at, pro, amatuer etc etc.
Amature- shooting DSLR since xmas, but been into photography for almost 2 years

your first SLR
My XTi which I got at Xmas
I do own a Minolta X9 SLR with kit lens that I got in highschool (about 10yrs ago) but never really got into it.

Age of first interest
Always been a little interested. Started buying P&S cameras about 5 years ago and my interest slowly developed and took a huge leap when I got my Sony H5 superzoom P&S.

things that kept you motivated
Getting good pictures! The desire to learn and become a "good" photographer- in the future being able to shoot a few weddings and help pay for my gear would be nice..

what got you into photography
Gear mostly, I think. I love electronics! Lenses to me are like diamonds to women I think. :lol: But there must be some part of me in the artistic side.

[audit]

what level your at, pro, amatuer etc etc.
Amateur, Just getting into everything and finished setting up a computer this weekend for post processing work.

your first SLR
Canon D40 that I'm still learning everything about.

Age of first interest
Since the first digital camera's came out since I didn't like taking film in and waiting.

Things that kept you motivated
The fact that I pick things up very quickly and I want to get out of IT work and into doing this for a living.

What got you into photography
The idea of being able to do things with my wife more and hopefully kids as they get older. I need something to destress myself before I implode and this does it for me.

[deci]

what level your at, pro, amatuer etc etc.
Def an amateur
your first SLR
Many moons ago - A Ricoh KR-10
Dropped it for many tears then got a Canon Pro 1 bridge cam and then a 30D
Age of first interest
First interest - about 21............. New interest 43
things that kept you motivated
A need to keep busy
and most importantly, what got you into photography.
Crippled by a car accident in 92 I was going out of my brain with boredom, so first off I took up digital art with Photoshop and just sort of drifted into Photography again, bolstered by my fascination with cats:)

[Maureen Souza]

My family!

[midnight_rider]

I got into photography about a year ago. At least with a slr. My first was a Canon T50 that I bought used from a yard sale. My reason was my divorce. My son is growing so fast and it is nice to keep him young some how. It is strange how fast a child grows when you only see them every other weekend. I am still an amateur but I hope to improve.

[tonylong]

Back when I was a kid in the '50s, my parents got me a Kodak box camera -- a Brownie, maybe?? And, I had fun with that camera, looking for interesting shots and playing with things like double exposures and whatnot. I bout a little darkroom set, but I don't remember really using it, though. As I got into adolescence in the '60s me photographic interests waned...

until the '90s, when nifty automatic/zoom cameras came out -- I got a Pentax 105mm Zoom camera and began taking pictures again, a lot of scenic/landscape stuff from my travels...and then I got my first scanner, and a color inkjet printer, through my work in the early '90s, which opened up a whole new realm (I worked for the HP printing division) of digital imaging...

Until '02, when I got my first digitial cam, an advanced 8x zoom camera that included fully Manual mode, and I took off running -- the early internet had "News" that consisted of an ever-growing bunch of discussion groups, including a photography group, and I spent many hours learning about photography using several of these advance P&S shooters...

Until I got my first DSLR, the 30D, in '06 and have been having fun in getting more and more shots, along with more and more gear, ever since!

My name's Tony, and I'm a photoholic...

[Grimes]

Well, I started using my dad's old nikon (yikes!) for a middleschool photography class. Learned how to develop b/w fim, make prints in the darkroom.

Took another photo class in highschool, and helped run the photo club in college. Actually got a film Rebel back then.

Finally got a full timejob and then discovered digital SLRs......man the computer sure beats a cramped dimly lit room!!!!

[yogestee]

Well, I started using my dad's old nikon (yikes!) for a middleschool photography class. Learned how to develop b/w fim, make prints in the darkroom.

Took another photo class in highschool, and helped run the photo club in college. Actually got a film Rebel back then.

Finally got a full timejob and then discovered digital SLRs......man the computer sure beats a cramped dimly lit room!!!!

Whats wrong with Nikon?? I was a Nikon user from 1975 until 2000 when the newspaper I worked for went digital buying 12 Canon D2000 kits,, total junk.. If the newspaper stayed with Nikon I'd be shooting Nikon today..

[hawkeye60]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjJvkrK0r9g

Back when I was a kid Bob Cummings played the part of a photographer on a TV show. At the beginning of the show he said "hold it, I think you're going to like this picture" snaps the shutter and they show the photo coming up in a tray of developer.
I've been hooked ever since...

[airfrogusmc]

B/A photography
Part time pro since 1978.
Full time pro since 1986

I was in Okinawa in 1975 and picked up a Canon TX and a 50 1.4 FD lens. I've been addicted ever since.

[JeffreyG]

what level your at, pro, amatuer etc etc.
non-professional.

your first SLR
Canon AE-1

Age of first interest
14

things that kept you motivated
and most importantly, what got you into photography.
I learned a lot about photography with manual gear as a youth but dropped it in HS and college as I had other pursuits.

What got me back into it:

[poloman]

I started shooting when I was 12 with a 16mm Minolta. I shot in B&W and developed the film, and made prints at an Air Force Base hobby shop. I even got in trouble for laying at the end of the flight line and taking pictures. I was innocent and surprised when the MP's showed up! That was in 1964.

[stathunter]

^Jeffery's post will be hard to beat.....

what level your at, pro, amatuer etc etc.
I consider myself a Pro - I am a wedding photographer-who shoots sports out of wedding season.

your first SLR
Minolta in my avatar

Age of first interest
Young age-- my grandfather furthered my interest in it- gave me my first slr and inspired me.

things that kept you motivated
What pushed me into paid work was selling a few landscape shots. That pushed me to do more work which eventually led to weddings. Now I am fortunate to shoot for many great couples and then sports teams and events. I love photography, it is lots of work but enjoyable stuff that allows you to reflect on documented results. It is a forgiving industry that allows creativity and growth.

what got you into photography
Creative release and inspiration to document people and places.

[Mike R]

Semi Pro, My customers say I'm their pro.
I liked photography since I was about 15 and had a 110 camera.
When I got married and returned from our honeymoon I was disappointed in the photos so I went and bought an AE-1. The more I read about photography the more critical I became of my own photos which drove me to improve more.
Today I shoot with a 40D and most of my business is HS sports for 2 schools . It's funny but when I was in HS, I had zero interest in sports, probably because I can't even throw a ball straight, or catch one. And I don't watch pro sports except when I take my kid to a game. I have learned that HS sports are truly SPORTS, Pro sports are a BUSINESS.
I'm expanding into portraits.

[zso]

I got into photography when I was 14. My dad was a Pro Photojournalist with a newspaper and had his own studio. He shot everything under the sun and did all of my sports teams pictures. He shot all medium format and bought me my first Canon Rebel 35mm, then my Canon A2E. I was my High School's Newspaper and Yearbook head photographer and had aspirations to go to Brooks Institute. When $$$ was not there I decided that I would attempt to be a photographer in the Army. Well, that didn't go as planned and I ended up taking a different Army job. Casually took pictures through my 7 years in the Army and I have just recently become a part-time pro with a non-photog job that pays the bills and helps supplement my photo business. I take gigs when I have the time and shoot stock for Alamy. The wife has the understanding that any photography earnings that I make go directly into my photo business and are not for the general fund. I'm doing all kinds of photography, but sports is my passion. I would love to make that a full time gig...but I realize that is not an easily reached goal. However, if I never shoot a pro event again, I will never forget sitting on the floor of a Washington Bullets vs. Boston Celics game, shooting the game with my A2E, when I was 16 years old. Thanks dad for being able to get me the press pass.

[NicD]

thanks for your replies everyone, some very interesting stories.

Very cute baby jeffery

keep them coming guys.

[Grimes]

Whats wrong with Nikon?? I was a Nikon user from 1975 until 2000 when the newspaper I worked for went digital buying 12 Canon D2000 kits,, total junk.. If the newspaper stayed with Nikon I'd be shooting Nikon today..


Nothing wrong with Nikon. I was just trying to be funny b/c there are a lot on this board that are very brand loyal. It wasn't a serious comment ;)

[MT59]

What level you're at, pro, amateur etc etc.
Amateur mainly because I would consider myself a pro only if I were making a living at it. (A whole 'nother discussion).

Your first SLR
Pentax K1000 with 50mm lens - Christmas present from my folks in 1981. Still have it, still works great (or it did a couple years ago when I last ran a roll of film through it). Interestingly, my second and only other SLR is my 300D which I still have and love.

Age of first interest
6 or 7. I used to carry around a Kodak 124 (?) camera to school on occasions, taking pictures of my friends on the playground. I have a photo album around somewhere with those pics still in it (circa 1967-1969).

Things that kept you motivated
Picking up the developed prints (earlier). Remember when you'd drop them off and they'd come back several days later? Such anticipation. After college, my kids kept me motivated. We ran more than 200 rolls of film through the Pentax between when our kids were born and when they were teens (switched to digital).

And most importantly, what got you into photography.
Hard to say. My father was a semi-pro when I was very little, but doubt that had much influence. When my Mom remarried, my step-father was an aspiring hobbyist photographer. I guess he pushed it as a hobby for me, usually purchasing cameras whenever I'd show an interest. I still remember flipping through old Popular Photography magazines over the years.

[rcfury]

I came into photography in a odd sort of way.. First I picked up Adobe Create Suites 2 and started with vector graphics and drawings. At the time my father was into studio photography but, i never had an interest. One day my father came to me and asked me if i could vectorize some angel wings for a picture of my niece. I think the photo came out really good, and I thought I should try out photography so i can further increase my Photoshop / ILLustrator skills by tweaking photos more. So I picked up a camera and started shooting..
Now I like to both take pictures and the post process work. HOwever, ive only been shooting for less than a year, plus i had a late start.. So its going to take a bit to get to the higher level..

[oaktree]

Probably my older brother, sister and cousins during the early 1950s who had box cameras and let me use them. I remember going to the store to buy film, taking pictures, and getting them developed and printed.

While in elementary school (mid 50s), I attended an after school program in a community rec center that, among other things, taught us how to develop and print b/w film. Very good photo education for someone 10 years old!

[masayako]

Before you start, mention:

what level your at, pro, amatuer etc etc.
[Masayako] amatuer

your first SLR
[Masayako] 40D

Age of first interest
[Masayako] 32

things that kept you motivated
[Masayako] A candid smile, a passion that i happen to capture, the emotion that can't be described by words, it requires a picture

and most importantly, what got you into photography.
[Masayako] One time, I walked along la Jolla Cove, sat next to the clive, watched the sunset. Next to me, there's a girl playing flute. The whole environment is truly peaceful and makes me think.... The moment inspire me to capture it.

[Canonswhitelensesrule]

The main reason for me, goes back 30+ years. I was/am a big sports fan, and also liked photography. After watching some incredible "once in a lifetime" plays during a sporting event on TV, I thought, "Gee, the same play will never happen again. and if someone didn't take a picture of it, that "moment" will be lost forever."

So I decided right then and there that I wanted to become a sports photographer, so that I could possibly one day have the chance to record some incredible plays.

As time went on, my love/passion for photography increased. I managed to shoot several major league sporting events (with photographer's access), from C.F.L. football, NHL hockey, NFL football, NBA basketball, World Championship Boxing etc for several years.

I had to put my photography on hold for 5 years or so because of family issues, but when I got back into it, I decided to change my main focus onto Nature/Wildlife photography.

[ILike2TakePictures]

when i begun to travel and when i finished modifying my car, im still a noob shooting with a compact but slowly learning the various settings on a camera, and shooting with a tripod :)

[In2Photos]

what level your at, pro, amatuer etc etc.
I consider myself an amateur, but I do some professional work. My sports photography pays for a few things here and there, but it is not my day job.

your first SLR
My wife's Rebel XT. I bought it for her in Nov. of 2005, and sort of took it from her.

Age of first interest
I was 26.
things that kept you motivated

POTN! The photos here really inspire me. It gets me to try new things and keep my eyes open.
and most importantly, what got you into photography.

My daughter and POTN. I had ZERO interest in photography, but my wife was tired of the pics from our P&S. I started researching a new camera and found POTN. I got bit hard by the bug and have been here ever since.

[PhotosGuy]

"Your pathway to today" (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=174508)

What has the evolution of your photography cycle been like? (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=420938)

[Mark_Cohran]

what level your at, pro, amatuer etc etc. - I'm a semi-pro. Photography isn't my main source of income, but I can generally make enough money from it to pay for most of my toys.
your first SLR - Canon AT-1 in 1979
Age of first interest - I started shooting when I was about 10 or 11 years old.
things that kept you motivated - Capturing a great image and knowing that I wasn't just lucky but that I planned the shot and made it happen.
and most importantly, what got you into photography. What got me into it? Probably the magic of capturing a slice of time and being able to keep a permanent record of it.

[ironchef31]

what level your at, pro, amatuer etc etc.
-amature

your first SLR
-some pentax manual camera that my dad had

Age of first interest
-16

things that kept you motivated
-got to go to school plays and concerts for free
-my photos in the high school year book

and most importantly, what got you into photography.
-shooting for the high school year book

[birdfromboat]

Amateur, never sold a thing, first SLR was a NIKON F, then nothing for 10 years, then a rebel g and a few lenses, then nothing for another ten years, then the kids started getting scholarships and dad bought a DSLR and has been hooked ever since. I remember shooting 110 in a pocket instamatic at 10. I stay with photography now because it exercises my technical brain and expands my creative brain and keeps my physical body outdoors and active. I got started cause it was magic, way cool magic.

[fishfoto]

What got me into photography? A copy of the 16-April-1965 issue of Life Magazine, which I found in the Valley Stream (NY) public library sometime in 1984, when I was 9 years old.

This issue of Life Magazine had the photo essay Yankee Papa 13,shot by Larry Burrows as he followed USMC Helo Squadron 163. I looked at the images and immediately decided I wanted to be a photojournalist..............shortly after finding this photo story I turned 10 and picked up a 1965 Nikomat FS with Nikkor 50f2 and I was off and running.

You can view the images some images from Yankee Papa 13 here:
http://www.digitaljournalist.org/issue9711/req22.htm

[darosk]

What level you're at, pro, amateur etc etc.
I would call myself an enthusiast.

Your first SLR
My 2-month old 40D :)

Age of first interest
I didn't discover it until I was 18.

Things that kept you motivated
Positive feedback from friends and family, plus a yearning for the beauty in nature.

And most importantly, what got you into photography.
It was my 18th birthday. My mother bought me a Sony DSC-W1 P&S. I haven't looked back since.

[stephen_g]

I'm an AM for sure.
My first slr (well, dslr) is a second (maybe third, i have no idea) hand 20d, still using it. Wishing I could afford some decent glass.
I first got interested when i was 15, when i got a point and shoot for christmas, I'm 16 now.
I'm kept motivated because i love trying new techniques, off camera flash stuff, my riding.
I got into it because of my riding (BMX freestyle), which i like to document as well as possible. All i could do for a few months after Christmas last year, when i got my first point and shoot was take pictures because of a bad head injury last year. My Dad also was/is a good help.

[leadweight]

It was so long a ago I can't remember.

[ChasP505]

I consider myself an advanced amateur, shooting mostly boring real estate catalog photos. My first SLR was a used Exacta VX-IIB bought in 1968 from an NYC pawn shop. I did 35mm SLR B&W photography from high school through college, but stopped after graduating college (at about the same time I got burglarized and all my camera equipment was stolen). I worked one summer while in college as an assistant to a professional retail merchandise catalog photographer. I built sets and arranged lighting, etc. But I actually only got back into photography about 8 years ago, photographing foreclosed homes for U.S. Government agencies like HUD and Dept. of Veterans Affairs.

Today, I don't get to shoot much at all. I'm physically handicapped and I work in the marketing dept. of a huge real estate company, mostly post-processing the crappy shots taken by our field staff.

[René Damkot]

Photography / assistance / PP is my source of income, so I guess that makes me pro.

First SLR: Practica LTL3, with 35, 50 and 135mm. Bought it from my brother in law.
First images I took with my fathers Kodak Brownie at about 10 ;) (I'm not thàt old, but it's the only camera my parents have up till today)

What keeps me motivated?
The un-suspected things that sometimes can happen during a shoot, the complete control you have technically. Seeing others get passionate about photography. The difference between my "work (http://www.damkot.com/)" (advertising, sorry, site is overdue for an update big time..) and my "other work"(music photograpy (http://www.myspace.com/renedamkot)).

I got into photography first while studying Electronics. Room mate of mine took images at a student association.
The student association I was with also had a photo commission, which I joined around 1991.
The head of this commission quit after half a year or so, and I was stupid enough to volunteer ;)

That was probably the start of the end of my studies ;)

I became a volunteer at Atak (http://www.atak.nl/start) in 1992, and started photographing bands.

I later quit my studies, started studying photography, and got a job as an assistant.

Self employed now.

[Mediation]

I am an Amateur
First camera - Canon 300D
Age 20 - when I first got interested in photography
The things that keep me motivated are of course the joy of photography, having a hobby that defines me. And learning, viewing a lot of different styles of work.

The reason I got into photography. To be completely honest. It was a great way for me to forget about a break-up with the girlfriend. Which is pretty lame, but photography is a way I can sort of re-discover my individuality.

Great thread idea :)!

[Mark_Cohran]

The reason I got into photography. To be completely honest. It was a great way for me to forget about a break-up with the girlfriend. Which is pretty lame, but photography is a way I can sort of re-discover my individuality.

I don't think it's lame at all. Photography helps me to express my individuality as well. I've been married for 30 years, have three grown children, 2 8/9thsgrandchildren (one is due any day now), and sometimes the only time I get time to myself away from work and the family is when I have a shoot or I got out with my cameras. Not that family time isn't important, but sometimes I just need some alone time and photography gives me a great excuse.

[Perfect_10]

Looking at pictures of naked women ;)

Seriously .. motor racing back in the early '70s. I used to shoot a lot of Rallycross back in the UK.
Did some studio work for a few years, but now mostly scenery and wildlife here in the Rockies (it gets me out and about) ;)

[Wilt]

what level your at, pro, amatuer etc etc.: Pro level in past, not currently deriving any income from photography
your first SLR: Beseler Topcon Auto 100
Age of first interest: about 11
things that kept you motivated: natural curiosity and challenge of mastering more new things
and most importantly, what got you into photography: had an uncle who was into it, and it rubbed off

[DeVVitt]

What level your at?
Serious amateur I'd currently say. Slowly learning though as being student :DYour first SLR?
50D with the 50 1.8 Mk IIAge of first interest?
At the age of 18, which I currently still amThings that kept you motivated?

Everything. The joy, the people you meet, the stories you hear, the things you capture. It is worth all the time I've spend in to it and am looking forward on spending a lot, lot more time to it.What got you into photography?

I had to make the choice for my previous school. Go to Berlin or Rome, or run a 3 day internship at something you can pick. I chose becoming an intern with a freelance photographer I knew, who taught me pretty much the basics in those 3 days. Those 3 days were the spark which started my interest. After that I've been the assistant photographer so to say to another local photographer I know. Her pictures too, keep me motivated a lot.I just want to keep on learning, and spending hours, days, months and years into photography as I am aiming to become a full-time photographer. I am aware of the huge amount of time you have to spend into the work, of the time it takes to get a pretty decent client database and amount of jobs, but it all is worth it to me, since I cannot imagine a better job to ever have.

[JWright]

Hey all,

I though it would be interesting to hear the reasons that people got into photography, and what kept them motivated.

Before you start, mention:
what level your at, pro, amatuer etc etc.
your first SLR
Age of first interest
things that kept you motivated
and most importantly, what got you into photography.

Level: Advanced amateur making a little (very little) money as a freelance photojournalist, but major income derived from pensions.
First SLR: A Miranda GT, ca. 1966... (Not this one, but one identical to it.)http://johnwright.smugmug.com/Photography/Older-and-Collectible-Cameras/IMG292-9291-G5/750202249_UvjiL-M-1.jpg


Age of first interest: Eighteen...
Things that kept me motivated: Really too many to list...
What got me into photography: Spending my high school years in Ansel Adams' home town, (Carmel, CA) and being exposed to his work at every turn. And the fact my mother was a serious amateur photographer didn't hurt...

[Rick Anderson]

I wanted to be rich and get chicks - LOL.

[kerry1369]

I describe myself as an amatuer (and more of a lurker than a poster). I got my first, and current, dSLR a little over 1 year ago-a Nikon D40X. It was actually a gift I had asked for for my 32nd birthday. What got me into it? Well, I have a son with severe Cerebral Palsy (not his official diagnosis-nobody knows his diagnosis, but that is what it most closely mimics). I would get so frustrated taking him into studios to get pictures of him as they would take about 5 shots, and rarely were any of them good. I know it is difficult to get good shots of him with the various facial expressions he makes and he doesn't tend to stay in poses. Yet I knew good shots could be had. During one of these times, I realized that the standard kid photography studios might not have the time or patience to get the shots I hoped for-but I did. That is what sparked this amazing hobby in me.
As for what keeps me motivated-I would have to say it is when you get that shot that just makes you sit back and say "wow!" Classes help too-they help to keep pushing me to develop this talent in new ways.

[palaima]

what level your at, pro, amatuer etc etc.
Serious amateur (1.5 year)

your first SLR
XTi <-- still have it. Recently bought a Sigma 30mm 1.4 - thats my street combo :)

Age of first interest
16.

things that kept you motivated
First, my friends, second - i am extremely idealistic person.

what got you into photography
I have 2 wonderful friends, that first introduced me to it. I only had my old Sony Ericson K750i which i used as my main camera for quite some time (2 years i think). IT was a very very nice little gadget which made my feel the joy of photography.
Later i became more and more serious about it and finally bought my first DLSR (my mother almost killed me for spending so much money on a camera :D - but she's eating her words now :D ). For half a year i was stunned. Now i can say that most of the time i get what i want and the only limiting factor is the speed of the camera, the sound that it makes and my own reflexes :D

[MrWho]

I'm somewhere between amateur and semi-pro with my first DSLR being a 500D. I first got interested when I was between 8 and 10 with wanting to capture colors, atmosphere and beauty in my photos. I can't say exactly what got me into photography but there are a few events that I believe contributed to it. Otherwise people have mentioned over and over to me that they definitely see photography as a passion of mine.

[unique one]

what level your at, pro, amatuer etc etc.
Amateur, just getting into everything

your first SLR
Canon Rebel T1i

Age of first interest
19 is when I really realized I wanted to try this photography thing out

Things that kept you motivated
different types of art, especially graphic design

What got you into photography?
I've always liked views since I was small
something just attracted me to them
I also grew up always trying to be creative in different ways & photography was just another way I wanted to show my creativity
but I never had a slr camera until november of last year

[shutterbasics]

what level your at, pro, amatuer etc: amatuer for sure
your first SLR: I had a Pentax Mz-5 when it was all about film but to be honest I didn't really learn how to use it and it spent most of the time in auto mode. My first digital SLR is a Nikon D5000
Age of first interest: About 16 years old, then completely forgot about it and have revisited it all at age 30
things that kept you motivated: Seeing other peoples amazing photographs inspires me to keep learning. I've also started a blog in the hope that it will keep me from coping out when it all gets too overwhelming.
and most importantly, what got you into photography: I've always loved photography. I love graphic design, art and most forms of creative expression. I also love to travel so I find the two combine well. But I guess I can thank technology for reaching a price point where I could get into the digital world. Being able to experiment and learn without the cost of film involved inspired me to have a go.

[joedlh]

I don't remember ever not being interested in photography. I do have a very early childhood memory of being fascinated when my father showed me how a simple lens produced an upside down image on a piece of paper. I received a build-it-yourself kit for a camera from Santa some time after that, which I almost ruined. I built a darkroom under my basement stairs, but couldn't afford an enlarger. My first experience with an SLR was when I joined my college newspaper staff and encountered a Nikormat. The first SLR of my very own was a 35mm (yes) Mamiya-Sekor for which I paid $100 in Macy's. I couldn't afford a Nikormat. I bought my first Canon, the fondly remembered match-needle metering FTb, with money that I earned in grad school from volunteering as a medical research subject because my wife at the time didn't think it a worthwhile expense. My children's childhood photos were taken with that camera. I think it proved its worth. I gave those photos to them this year in digital photo frames as a Christmas present.

Oh, level? Serious amateur, by the definition. Some sales, some awards, but mostly do pro bono work as a volunteer.

[RiderOnTheStorm]

I'm a beginner in DSLR's. My little girl is what brought me into photography, I was tired of missing shots because my point and shoot couldn't keep up with her. Since then, I've realized the potential of DSLR's and have explored other areas of photography. I've had my DSLR since October and rarely a day goes by that I don't use it.

[Butch Cassidy]

what level your at, pro, amatuer etc etc.
serious amateur
your first SLR
Many moons ago - Argus C3,then years later,nikon fe,F2as, dropped it for about 25 years and picked it up again 4 months ago

Age of first interest
First interest - at the age of 10, I was sponsered in the soapbox derby by a man and his wife that were pros and had a portrait studio, being fatherless,We developed a long friendship,( Ray and Nell Orr from Lubbock Texas, I would spend time at their studio, He had his darkroom in basement and I was hooked by seeing what they could do and the process.

things that kept you motivated
after having kids that were involved in sports and a daughter that was a cheerleader, that was all I needed .

and most importantly, what got you into photography, after dropping it 20 odd years ago, my grandson playing sports rekindled my interest, Gosh it has come so far and I have a lot to catch up on, but the enjoyment of something coming out the way you want it to IS PRICELESS

[mckinleypics]

Level

* Amateur aspiring to be a serious amateur

Your first SLR?

* XS

Age of first interest in DSLR

* 42

Things that kept you motivated?

* I love gadgets and kids. I am enjoying being able to capture moments that I couldn't before.


What got you into photography?

* Lost P&S and wanted to be able to capture my kids as they get old enough to play sports etc.

[Rob Douglas]

I'm a passionate amateur and learning more with every shot.
I started out a few years back with a Canon A620 point and shoot just because I love to just take pictures of everything and anything. A lot of my shots where pretty good as far as framing and composition but where just lacking something. I love taking pictures of the kids too and always said when we took them to the studio (if you want to call it that) in Target that with a few backdrops and a sweet camera I could do this. Ha ha well...
...my wife took me seriously (I was) and tried to set me up this year for Christmas and got me a Nikon D90 (she tried) I soon had it exchanged for the 50D and quickly amassed the gear in my signature. I am hooked for life!
What does and probably will always keep me motivated is my love for still life, landscapes, and wildlife. All three are in abundance and I am always on the lookout for my next shot. My wife didn't know what she was in for when she got me started down this path and now with tax season here I bet she wishes she didn't ;) If you check out my Flicker link in my signature I am open to comments & constructive criticism.

[Veemac]

what level your at, pro, amatuer etc etc.
Amateur/hobbyist.

your first SLR
Minolta X-700, purchased in 1984.

Age of first interest
Can't really say. I've been interested in photography since I was a young kid, albeit pretty casually (point-and-shooter). First experience with an SLR was in high school graphic arts class in the 70's. I shot 35mm SLR with the Minolta until things went digital, then had a long series of digital P&S and "bridge" cameras until I bought the 50D last year.

things that kept you motivated
The enjoyment of photography itself; capturing/documenting moments; and occasionally catching something that's truly breathtaking.

and most importantly, what got you into photography.
At first it was documenting the memories from our family vacations, activities, etc. As cliche as it may sound, what spurred me to go beyond that and get into more "artsy" photography was when I discovered Ansel Adams and saw some of his work. Since then I've been inspired by many others, and it drives me to keep shooting and trying to improve.

[CalPiker]

what level your at, pro, amateur etc etc.
I don't like giving myself a label. I have had a picture printed in a newspaper and on their website, but I have never sold anything and people don't hire me to shoot them. I do this for fun and not money.

First SLR
My first one that I owned was a Canon Rebel G. Then I moved up to the A2E. Now I'm shooting digital on my XSI. I stayed with Canon since I already had a couple of lenses. Although they were cheap enough, I could have switched to Nikon and never looked back.

Age of first interest
Sometime as a kid. My dad had a Minolta SLR that he used to let me use a lot. I can't remember how old I was, but under 10.

Things that kept you motivated
I did this when I started to exercise a lot. While I was out walking, I'd see lots of interesting things to shoot. That is my motivation, to get out and walk long distances while taking pictures. Seeing new things, as well. And, as always, learning all I can about everything to do with my camera and photography.

What got you into photography
I've always wanted to learn how to use a camera that wasn't a p&s. Just curiosity of how things work. I signed up for a photography class in college, which is when I bought my first SLR. (Good marketing by Canon back then. They had Andre Agassi advertising the Rebel G, so I bought it. I never even heard of Nikon until afterward. That's how much I knew about cameras.) After a few months of taking pictures, I upgraded to the A2E. I probably didn't need it, but it had the eye focusing in it so I had to upgrade. (That was the only reason! lol)

When my photography class was over, I retired the cameras and lenses. I liked doing all of the development and printing myself, but it was too expensive for me to build a darkroom. Once digital came out, I picked up an XSI. It sat in my closet for about 6 months before I got the drive and started to really use it. Now I can't put it down.

[Karl Johnston]

I wanted to be as cool as my Hero(ine) Nic Davel

[LenBob]

what level your at, pro, amatuer etc ?
Immature-Hobbyist; now getting ready to purchase my first DSLR.

your first SLR?
Canon A1.

Age of first interest?
I was young and unstable... now I’m old and shaky! :)

What got you into Photography?
I was a young engineer working in a part of the world which offered few social or recreational opportunities. These circumstances led me to look for a hobby that would help take my mind off the undesirable location I lived in. Photography was immensely helpful in getting me through ten-years of that unpleasant solitude.

Things that kept you motivated?
VACATIONS!!! About every six-months I would head-off to a new foreign land and do my best to photographically record the adventure.