Ryan Garden Photography

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on how I present my photography, and I’ve realised that while I do share my creative side, I rarely share much of myself. Whether it’s on social media or here on my blog, I usually just include a brief blurb about my photograph(s). But I’ve noticed that many of the photographers I follow include their personal experiences into their posts, creating a deeper connection with their audience. It’s made me wonder: maybe it’s time I gave that a go.

So, with this in mind I thought writing this post which I’ve titled “Photography & Me” was a good place to start.

As a child I would play with my Dad’s film cameras. A Boot’s Disc 515 (disco film) camera, and his Polaroid 1000. Both of which I still have today. I would enjoy snapping photographs, usually of random subjects. I think I preferred the Polaroid, partially due to the instant photographic gratification (or not, depending how the shot came out). I enjoyed watching the photographs develop in your hand.

In my early teens, I purchased my own camera. My first cameras were basic film point and shoot style cameras. I used these mostly for snapping photographs of my friends or our family cat. There was no real artistic intent, more just capturing moments. My real love for photography didn’t start until around 2003, when I was in my early 20’s. When I purchased my first digital camera, a Kodak Easyshare CX4230, which was a digital point & shoot style camera. Owning my first digital camera, I think made photography more accessible for me. I was too impatient to wait for photos to be developed, so I could see how they turned out.

I followed the CX4230 with the Kodak DX6490, before purchasing a Kodak Easyshare Z1015 IS. Which I still own today, although it hasn’t been used for many years. Each of these cameras were good digital cameras for their time, and good for someone who was starting out on their journey into photography. I loved my trusty little Kodak’s, but as my photography journey progressed, I longed for what I considered to be a more serious camera, a “proper” DSLR. So, eventually and after much saving, I purchased a Nikon D3200, which I still use today.

My early exploration into photography was inspired in part by nature and exploring the natural world around me. So, not much has changed from today to be fair. It was a distraction, helping me to function during some emotional times. My inspiration was trying to find and connect with the beauty of the world around me, at a time when I struggled to appreciate my surroundings. In the early days I would go out and explore the farmland and greenspaces that surrounded the estate where I lived. Sometimes, I would venture further, to the local beach or into the city centre. Other times, it would be as simple as sitting at my bedroom window, with the window wide open photographing sunsets and stormy skies. I could sit for hours watching the sky, especially during Sunset, watching the colours change. It brought me a sense of calm. Thinking back, spending hours watching the sky is probably what made me start to appreciate nature more.

to be continued…