My professional journey so far has been a bit bumpy, but a new chapter is beginning. It took me almost 30 years to understand that I want to make my living behind the camera if everything goes according to plan; this next chapter will give me the edge was looking for—an opportunity to develop and study my skills as a photographer.
I have enrolled in a photography course in the prestigious Ar.Co in Lisbon. It has been referred by some of the contacts that I value the most inside this industry.
So far, my training in this area is pretty much self-taught, apart from a few workshops here and there and talking to friends and professionals alike.
I'm very much looking forward to classes starting properly. To get to the meat and potatoes of the matter! To develop and learn more and newer techniques. It still feels pretty much like a dream.
My interest in this area mainly came from my father, an amateur photographer with kills for days and a jovail demeanour for the arts. He was no doubt just as in love with photography as I seem to be. According to legend, while studying in New York, my grandfather gave him some money to get his place in order. Unfortunately, instead of a matress and a few amenamties, he chose to upgrade his lens and ended up sleeping for a couple of months in his apartment plywood floor. I covered himself with his leather jacket. Thankfully I wasn't put in a position where I had to choose between a bed a new lens...but I doubt I would be sleeping comfortably for the first few months.
But it was thanks to him and his passion that this art form came into my life. Endless winter afternoons were walking by the beach, setting his camera and tinkering with its settings, many times with my nonstop nagging as a background soundtrack. But there was something magical in the way he sat there, almost motionless. Followed by hours of photoshop adjustments when he got home.
Honestly, it was a joy to watch him photograph. Had I knew I would have bugged him for lessons.
After trying my hand for around three or five years with analogue photography, I've dabbled a bit with my trusty Canon R in converting both events and with a few photoshoots. I was hooked. And now, a new chapter unfolds right in front of my eyes.
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