Random Photographs: Alberta & British Columbia
The photographs posted here are from a road-trip around the north-western side of Alberta and the north-eastern side of British Columbia. I often shoot random things and these are those kind of random photos.
I am an amateur photographer. I have never taken any classes or read any "how-to" books on photography. I very much dislike "how-to" books (just an opinion). I like learning about things (unless it's theory) by doing them. So about ten years ago I started taking photographs and I never really stopped.
I still shoot in film - I like having my negatives! I am not sure for how long I can still do so because many stores are running out of it but I will continue for as long as possible. To a certain extent, I think that shooting in film (as supposed to shooting with a digital camera) makes one be more careful with the photographs taken. With film, there are usually only twenty-four frames available per roll and so, economy is always in the back of the mind. Unlike with digital cameras where the possibility of just clicking around is very real. This is just an assumption in regard to everyone else but it works for me.
The camera I work with is a little on the old side, compared to what is out there now anyway. I shoot with a Canon, T2 Rebel and since I have been really good at breaking/losing lenses within the last year, all I am left with is a Canon Ultrasonic EF 28-105mm. All my photographs from Alberta and B.C. were taken with it. It worked for the most part.
In terms of taking photographs, being aware of how light influences the shot is probably one of the most important things. I have ruined many photographs because I did not take in consideration the lack of light (even on this last trip) ... On the other hand, I am not fond of using the flash: I think it changes what is there initially and so, I refrain from using it (unless it is really necessary).
There is nothing as experience though. Being persistent with photography does help. I wasted many films before I got one decent photo but I do know that it has gotten better. Sometimes, I can visualize the shot before I press the button and I catch myself thinking: "That was a good shot!" It does not happen often but it does and I think the visualizing of shots before they are taken comes from experience because it only started happening for me a few years ago.
Of course, all this is just my opinion. I am not sure of anything really and I cannot explain the taking of photographs as one who studied photography in college or university. I do enjoy taking photographs and I just go by the "feel" of things. It is a hobby ...
I do wish people can enjoy my photographs though. Cheers!