Be it your iPhone or a point-and-shoot camera, hardware doesn’t define the photographer.
Yes, my camera was expensive, but that doesn’t mean you have to shell out a grand in order to be a photographer.
Who is this guy?
Hello, my name is Gabriel Mata, and I’m a photographer for UTRGV’s The Rider. I’ve been studying photography for about three years now (that includes cinematography and photo editing), but I’ve been shooting professionally for around eight months. My first camera was the Canon Rebel T5i (700D), as it was the best camera in my budget at the time. As I have learned a ton in the months that I’ve been shooting, I’m constantly learning as with any trade. Though I tend to be strong in portraits, my true goal is to become a prosperous music photographer. Some other photographers I look up to include Adam Elmakias, Bryan Giardinelli and Rukes.
What’s to be expected?
As a photographer, I’m naturally interested in all sorts of new camera equipment and accessories. As a college student, I’m more on the frugal side than I’d like to be. Over the years, I’ve researched the cheapest alternatives to lenses. I’ve learned the difference between a good photo and a photo that could use some work. (There are no bad photos; beauty is in the eye of the beholder.) I’ve used gear ranging from premium and high-priced to the lower end and dirt-cheap items.
With all that in mind, this blog will revolve around photography in a variety of formats:
–reviews
–advice
–comparisons
–opinions
–expectations for new gear coming out
What if I’m just starting?
There is one thing I want to drive home. While I will be writing about some items that may be out of the budget of some, if not most, people, I want everyone to remember this.
You don’t need to shell out two grand in order to be a photographer.
I started with nothing but a dream. I studied and watched videos talking about the best-of-the-best equipment with no intention of buying it anytime soon. (Or ever!) I was interested in photography so I would learn everything that I could in order to prepare. Now I’m being paid to take photos of events and even portraits.
If you’ve got a camera phone or a point-and-shoot camera, go outside and start snapping pictures. Figure out what looks good to you and what could use some work. Try pictures with flash and try some without. Just getting accustomed to the camera that you have at your disposal can boost your photography skills. Once you’ve got at least a handful of photos that you love, look at them and find out what about them is so appealing.
I’ll be writing about photography techniques and “rules” of photography. All of these techniques and rules will help you along your path, but when taking photos, sometimes breaking rules will get you a better result.
In the end, photography is all subjective. You could love a photo that I hate, and that’s what’s beautiful about it. It’s about the human perspective and how people interpret certain things.
If you’re interested in photography to any capacity, this blog will help you. As I’m still learning, you will learn with me. Learning a new subject is always easier when you have a partner in it all.
