April's Album Cover

My very first piece... the signature piece...

I guess it would be appropriate for me to start from the start. My name is Daniel and I am an aspiring professional photographer. I have been taking pictures since I was in high school and have really never taken it seriously as an art until I was in college. I was that guy in the group that always had a disposable camera (remember those?) and was always fascinated and appreciative of artful photography… I’m originally from San Francisco and as is so cliché – I have undoubtedly left my heart in that city. I have been told that the heart that I have for my hometown easily shows in my photography. I suppose when this observation was made is when I recognized that this is the art that God has called me to explore. Because ‘ME’ is so easily seen in these pictures, it was hard for me to deny photography’s place in my life…

I don’t claim to have all the knowledge or technical understanding of the craft, but I do have the passion and calling for it. I may make a ton of rookie technical mistakes this early in my career – but that technical expertise that will come… Fact of the matter is, composition is the key… and the composition of my first shot is something that has become a sort of hallmark for me as a photographer.

| April L. | Regents Apts | La Jolla, CA | SCAN of 35mm | Nikon N50 |

Every single time I mention the word photography to anyone who has known me for at least 5 years – and knows I take pictures – says something like this…. “Yah! You know, every time I think of your photography, I think of that one picture… It’s a black and white picture of April and her guitar in front of that wall! It’s like… her album cover… if she had an album…” That picture’s composition is so simple and very much the style of my photography… Album cover worthy??? Well, my own harshest critic (me) would say, “its nice, a bit out of focus, maybe could have been reframed, a more textured wall could have helped, and there is that distracting little black block on the top left.” But, in truth – it is a wonderful picture – maybe not perfect, but what really is?

Since then, I have grown exponentially and have shifted to digital SLRs a year and a half ago. I am just starting to learn all the ins-and-outs, but it has been crazy. Beware - a few of the early posts on this blog will be SCANS of some of my old 35mm work (look for the tag on the bottom right) so picture quality isn’t great by any stretch…

I’m doing the blog thing 1st as a means for exposure, but also just to share and document my walk as a photographer. I really do believe in sharing art so… don’t be afraid to leave comments and please do follow along! And of course, if you need a photographer, I need the portfolio, so…

So here is to my first portrait shot… on my first post… on my first photoblog… on the revival and continuance of my photographic career… which God promises me to be a rewarding, blessed, and amazing ride… Startin’ from the start…