About Photography
I have never taken any photography classes and learned about any theory, not until 2013 spring quarter when I took the film photography class. However, this has never stopped my passion about photography. I got my first digital camera when I was in fifth grade of primary school. Since young, I loved to bring my camera with me and taking everything happened around me. Memories could be faded but photos would never be. They helped me to remember those special moments, stories and sentiments so I could always recall them when I want to. I took pictures fully according to instinct without any photo theories since I thought in this way all of the photos would be solely mine, instead of a imitation influenced by theories or others' work. However, in the year 2012 I did gradually realize my limitation and the stagnant improvement on photography. A lot of times I felt so disappointed when I couldn't catch the the scenery or the emotion I want to record. That was the moment I felt I was ready and prepared to learn more about photography, taking it more serious and developing it into a skill. Before going to Germany for study abroad, I received my first DSLR, a Canon 60D, from my parents as birthday gift. It gave me chances to practice my thoughts whiling studying and traveling in Europe. Then, in March 2013, I bought my first film camera, Nikon FM3a, for the film photography class in Spring quarter. This was my first time systematically learning about photography theory as well as the techniques for film photography. I realized learning, reading, watching or any types of knowledge input are important to inspire my own process of photography and learning. Just like travel to me is an attitude of always being on the road and exploring the new things, photography to me is also an attitude of recording my present life and emotions and recreating the arts in life. My photos might not be professional, but they are all best records for my travel and daily life.