My Passion for Photography and accepting the Challenge

Photography, for me, has always been a passion. It’s a pursuit that grants me the opportunity to observe people, nature, animals, and objects in a distinctive light, attempting to capture the very essence and emotion I experience in those moments. Seeing the end result was always thrilling and nerve racking at the same time. Would the image turn-out they way I expected, or is it a loss because the coloring is off or did I miss something I hadn’t anticipated.

In the days before the digital camera (yes, I’ve have the honor of being part of both the analog and digital realms of photography), an analog camera was an intricate task. For those who remember, framing each shot involved navigating through different camera settings, lenses, film, and taking multiple shots for a single image which meant a roll of 36 exposures didn’t last long. Then waiting for the film to be developed added another layer of inconvenience, not to mention the expense of the entire process – it was a considerable investment.

Now, comparing the photos captured with my 35mm Nikon and Cannon cameras from the analog era to those taken with my Nikon Z5, there’s a subtle allure in the analog prints. Perhaps it’s the appreciation fostered by the effort and cost embedded in each image. Don’t get me wrong; I cherish my Nikon Z5 for its lightweight feel, full-frame mirrorless features, and the absolute control over every exposure before the shutter clicks. The instantaneous results, are an absolute game-changer.

In fact, my recent win of an Honorable Mention from the IPA – International Photography Awards for my photo “Fleeting Beauty” taken with my Nikon Z5 was completely unexpected. I hadn’t anticipated winning anything, but encouraged by positive responses on Flickr, I decided to submit the photo, leaving it to fate and the judges. The subsequent emails notifying me of its Selection and the Honorable Mention felt as gratifying as placing in the top three or being hailed as the photographer of the year. For my 1st photography competition, my expectations were low, but now this win has only fueled my newfound inspiration to participate again in other photography competitions in 2024, armed with the confidence that my photos actually stand a good chance of securing a top spot.

The bottom line is ultimately, challenges – whether in photography, coding, design, or any other field – serve as a compelling impetus to push oneself to the limits. You just might be the one with the unique perspective or idea needed to unravel a problem or inspire others in ways you never imagined. So, embrace the challenge, showcase what you’ve got, and let the world witness your creative prowess.

Photography and Filmmaking Challenges

Three challenges have been introduced on OpenDoorPathway.com —one for filmmaking, Future Filmmaker Awards and another two for photography competitions International Photography Challenge, Analog Photography Artistry Challenge. Be sure to check out the posts for all the details.