7+ Years on Hive - How My Photography Evolved Over Time

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I wouldn't even realize that my 7th birthday on the platform passed by if it wasn't for one of the beautiful commenters. Back then, when I came here, I considered myself creatively limited and so I never pursued artistic expressions. But I was inspired by the wonderful people and gave it a shot with photography. I've always had a deep, inarticulate desire to express myself somehow.

I picked up an entry level DSLR, Nikon D5300 and started shooting. Immediately I was drawn to photographing people on the streets. I would walk with friends or exploring the new travel place and my attention was always on the people primarily and secondarily on the environment. I didn't know back then about the concept of street photography or that it even exists. You can see it from my first post in what direction my style would go. :)

Feel free to compare how I do things now as opposed to when I first started. I'll be first to admit that it was terrible at first but it just shows that when you put your mind to something that inspires you, incredible lengths can be achieved.

7 years ago I was just taking snapshots without taking into consideration many things. For example my compositions were not well thought through, I had distracting things in the frame, and I would regularly cut a person at the edge of the composition or block it with another element. Now I carefully plan each composition, what should be included and what perspective to use.

Good light is probably my guiding element today. No matter how good the composition or interesting subject, without good light it false flat. When I first started I knew nothing about using light to enhance the quality of the photograph.

Patiently waiting for interesting subjects and interesting stories is another thing that became obvious and important. I'll often wait 5-15 minutes at an interesting location to match it with a subject that fits. Initially, it was just about photographing random passers-by.

Investing time in editing the photos properly is huge part of success. One has to develop their unique style that brings their vision to life. Photographs without good edit are like crepes without filling. It's important to give them this final touch.

Well I hope you like this - then and now - comparison. Who knows in what direction it will go from here... But always have in mind the idea of bettering yourself over time. Thank you for following along, I appreciate you! Photos taken in the last few weeks with Fuji X-Pro2 + 35mm F/2 lens.

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