In 2018, the arrival of my son Nikita led me to buy a camera. I wanted to keep a record of his growing up, something I missed from my childhood because there weren’t many photos of me.
What started as a personal project to capture Nikita’s moments soon became a much larger adventure. It not only sparked my love for photography but also opened a whole new world for Alina, my wife, who found her calling in the process.
This story isn’t just about taking pictures; it’s about how those pictures took us on a journey we never expected.
A New Chapter Begins
In 2018, when Nikita, our son, was born, I made a big decision that changed everything. I decided to buy a Sony A7III camera. This wasn’t an easy choice because the camera was expensive, but I had seen a lot of good things about it online. Many people loved how it could take great photos and videos. I was new to all this, but deep down, I felt this was something I wanted to do seriously. I didn’t want the camera to just sit around; I wanted to use it a lot.
Choosing the A7III was about more than just getting a fancy camera. It was about starting a new hobby that I knew would be a big part of my life. I wanted to capture every little moment of Nikita’s life in the best way possible. Plus, I was interested in both taking pictures and making videos, and this camera was perfect for both.
Even though it was a lot of money, I felt it was worth it. This camera wasn’t just for now; it was for the future. And it turned out to be true because Alina, my wife, uses this same camera for her work today. But more on that later.
Learning the Camera: My First Steps
As the weeks turned into months, my initial fumbling with the Sony A7III began to transform into a more confident dance of dials and settings. Understanding the trinity of photography—Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO—was my first significant milestone. It was like learning a new language, one that allowed me to start telling stories through my lens.
Countless hours were spent in front of my computer screen, absorbing everything I could from YouTube tutorials. Composition, color psychology, photo editing—the world of photography was vast and endlessly fascinating. I was a sponge, eager to soak up every piece of knowledge that could help me improve.
Portraiture became my first love in this new world. There was something magical about capturing the essence of a person, the subtle nuances of expression, and the stories etched in the lines of their faces. Nikita, with his endless expressions, was my favorite subject, but soon, Alina, friends, and other family members found themselves in front of my lens too. Each portrait was a lesson, a step closer to understanding this art form.
Yet, the allure of exploring further was irresistible. Street photography introduced me to the candid rhythms of everyday life, landscape photography challenged me to capture the grandeur of nature, and commercial product photography opened my eyes to the intricate dance of light and shadow in shaping perceptions. Each photo genre was a new adventure, a new way of seeing the world, and with every click of the shutter, my passion for photography only deepened.
Discover Why 2,367 Photographers Love This Free eBook!
Enter your email below to receive a FREE eBook filled with actionable tips guaranteed to enhance your photography skills.
2,367 Downloads
Alina’s Journey into Product Photography
Alina’s interest in photography was unexpectedly sparked as she observed me working on product shots for OCULT, a brand specializing in leather accessories that my friend and I launched together.
Intrigued by the process and the results she saw on the screen of my MacBook (that was connected to my camera via Tethering cable), Alina expressed a desire to learn product photography. I started teaching her the basics: understanding aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and the use of external lighting. At that time, our lighting equipment was modest, consisting of just a Profoto A10 light. Despite the technical aspects of product photography, I aimed to keep the lessons straightforward and practical. Within a couple of months, Alina had grasped the essential skills.
She began practicing with various items around our apartment, from beauty products to fashion accessories, and even items we planned to sell on eBay.
This hands-on experience allowed her to experiment with different subjects and lighting setups, refining her skills with each shoot and building her first product photography portfolio.
Today, Alina is a professional commercial product photographer (here’s her Instagram). She works with a diverse range of clients from all over the world, managing her projects from her studio. Her transition from a beginner to a professional in the field is a clear indication of her passion and commitment to photography. It’s fulfilling to see her so engaged in her work, turning her initial curiosity into a successful career in product photography.
Launching OhMyCamera and Overcoming Self Doubt
The idea of starting a blog to share my photography journey had been on my mind for quite some time. Despite my growing experience and knowledge, a persistent sense of imposter syndrome held me back—I kept doubting whether I was qualified enough to teach others. The thought that I might not have enough expertise to offer valuable insights to potential readers was daunting.
However, a shift in mindset prompted a decisive action that would change everything. Instead of overanalyzing or second-guessing my abilities, I chose to act. I registered the domain name www.ohmycamera.com almost spontaneously, breaking away from my usual pattern of lengthy deliberation over such decisions. The name “OhMyCamera” came to me quickly, and I embraced it without hesitation, understanding that the perfect name wouldn’t matter if the blog never launched.
With my background in digital marketing, setting up the blog on WordPress and customizing its design was a straightforward process. Within a week, the website was up and running, ready for me to start sharing my photography insights and experiences.
Fast forward two years and OhMyCamera has grown beyond my initial expectations. I’ve published around 115 articles, ventured into creating an online course, and even had the honor of being featured in FUJILOVE magazine.
My daily engagement with the blog is fueled by passion. Every article written, every tutorial created, and every piece of advice shared is driven by the hope of making a difference.
The goal is clear: to demystify photography for as many people as possible, helping them not only understand their cameras but also to express their creativity through the powerful medium of photography. The journey from doubting my ability to contribute to now being deeply involved in a project that could potentially reach and help thousands is a testament to the power of taking that first step, even in the face of uncertainty.
Reflections on My Photographic Journey
Looking back on the journey that began in 2018 with the purchase of a camera, it’s remarkable to see the transformative path it has led me down. This endeavor, initially sparked by a desire to capture the fleeting moments of my son Nikita’s childhood, has evolved into something much more profound. Interestingly, Nikita himself is now showing a budding interest in photography, often seen with a camera in hand, exploring the world through his young eyes.
This journey has not only catalyzed a profound change in my wife Alina’s career, turning her into a sought-after product photographer, but it also pushed me to conquer my doubts and establish a platform—OhMyCamera—to share my growing passion and knowledge with others. This blog has become more than just a repository of information; it’s a gateway to connect with individuals worldwide, sharing insights and inspiring those new to the world of photography.
Reflecting on this transformative period, I’m reminded of Steve Jobs’ words from his 2005 Stanford Commencement Address: “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future.”
These words resonate with me now more than ever. If I hadn’t made the decision to buy that camera in 2018, so many subsequent achievements and discoveries would have remained unrealized. Alina might never have found her true passion, and OhMyCamera might have remained just an idea.
My story underscores the importance of taking that first step into the unknown and trusting in the journey ahead. It’s a reminder that the decisions we make, even those that seem inconsequential at the time, can set us on unexpected and rewarding paths. As I continue to share my experiences, explore new perspectives, and connect with fellow photography enthusiasts, I’m inspired by the unpredictable beauty of life’s journey and the intricate ways our choices intertwine. Here’s to embracing the uncertainty, trusting in the process, and eagerly awaiting to see how the dots will connect in the future.
