Life is short. Enjoy the food. Enjoy the fellowship. Enjoy the beauty. Enjoy the moments. Enjoy LIFE!
I began my photography journey (very primitively) when I was 18 years old. There was nothing fancy about it, but I always remember enjoying the composition aspect within the rectangle viewing component. At that point in life, I had no real commitment to my photography interests. While I was in my later portion of college (mid-20's - you can call me a late bloomer in life!), I met a lifelong friend who reignited my interest in photography.
I majored in science in college and truly had some of the coolest experiences during that journey. I had a plethora of outdoor lab classes where we explored the forest and traveled with creek and river stream current. I knew at this point I needed a camera to document the explorations. Of course, indoor lab classes warranted the need for a lens as well. Insert that lifelong friend again, Jeni Summerlin Hand. Her husband (future husband during college) bought her a beautiful Olympus waterproof point and shoot camera. I was in love! For indoor lab courses, that point and shoot camera worked wonders on microscopic materials. When Jeni first showed me how to focus in on a specimen within the microscope, I was hooked!! My parents bought me a cute little Kodak point and shoot camera. It did not hold a candle to the Olympus, but I sure loved taking photos of all the lab specimens in zoology and botany. I will say, my Kodak camera was very good to me.
I would adventure around town finding objects to photograph. Soon, I grew a real passion for flowers, pretty butterflies and anything close up. After my Kodachrome adventures, I always felt more calm, more peaceful, satiated and happy. I loved structures, shapes and lines as well. I would say I mastered most of my composition in these early days with an understanding that I had milestones still to reach even in this sector. Without true awareness of the term, I was definitely shooting in the 'rule of thirds.' I just favored it naturally. Speaking of composition, when I would print those photographs for observation I knew I was missing something. My photographs lacked contrast, brightness and sometimes my composition felt lost in the walls of the snapshot.
After college, I was ready for the next step in photography. Another point and shoot! I researched far and wide and settled down with a Fuji F50. I even invested in a waterproof case (this came in handy on my trips to San Salvador, Bahamas). This was one point and shoot that has never let me down, even today (8 years later). Right about this same time, my good friend Jeni passed a really nice Fuji camera on to me as she had invested in a Canon dslr.
It was during these period of years that I really began educating myself in reference to the aspects of photography: lighting, aperture, ISO, white balance and shutter speed. I would adjust settings in my camera and explore effect. I would examine the answers to questions such as 'how do obtain a sharp focus?' and 'how do I get flowing water to look flawy?' I still had infinite track to cover before I felt educated enough to place my name on a photographic print.
Eventually, I began to research the literature to educate the ideas I had explored. I began reading Scott Kelby, Brenda Tharp and Bryan Peterson. I invested in Photoshop. I acquainted myself with the 'golden' hour. I ran into Damien Symonds on Facebook who changed my life with regard to photography and clean editing. I am forever grateful for his tough constructive criticism.
Over the years, I left my Fuji (to include the gifted one) behind. I began a new journey with dslr. My family bought me a Nikon d3000 for my 36th birthday. I out grew that camera within one year. It was a beautiful camera, but it was limited on speed which was something I craved. Today, I shoot with a Nikon d7000 and primarily use the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm 1.4G. It was a wonderful gift from my very supportive husband who knew that I would know what I needed (I compared the need for the upgrade to the need for quality golf equipment - I know call me a smart woman!). Of course, now I am ready for a full-frame dslr coupled with a Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G lens! I keep a dose of patience in my pocket and a smile on my face.
I have known for some time that I would love to sell my photography. I have spent 7+ years educating myself, refining my skills and gaining mastery. I will spend more years attaining greater skills and mastery. I am ready to sign my name to a photograph that a recipe of love, passion and patience took to create. I cherish the idea that someone could admire a piece as much as I admire that piece, that it will bring them joy. I want to thank my friends and family for recognizing my potential, encouraging this growth, and communicating their support! Without these key people, these words would never have materialized. Thank you to my husband Mo and his wonderful family Linda, Colin and GC. Thank you to my mom and dad and my awesome brothers, Brian and Mike. Thank you to Jeni, Sarah and Juliet who each have their own artistic talents! Thank you for taking time to get to know me just a little bit!
Have a wonderful day,
Carol Ling Gordy
North Augusta, South Carolina
email | cheers@carolgordy.com