By Kevin J. Sabo
For the Advance
When I started writing for the newspaper, I knew just about zero about photography.
I had no clue about setting apertures, or how shutter speed affects how bright an image is. I didn’t know the difference between a pocket camera or a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera.
I started reporting to write, not take pictures.
Because the photos off my cell phone camera just weren’t up to snuff, my then editor loaned me a camera belonging to the newspaper. Needless to say, for the first few months I was taking pictures, the camera barely came off the automatic setting, and when I did the results were…less than flattering.
However, the more I shot, the more I wanted to learn.
I took a course that was offered by a local photographer, and that got me off of automatic, at least most of the time. I kept plugging away, and eventually I bought my own gear and gave the camera back to the paper.
I’ve learned a lot on this journey, and truth be told, I’ve started enjoying the photography as much, if not more so, than the reporting.
Which led me to a workshop in Edmonton over Nov. 2nd and 3rd hosted by the Tornado Hunter himself, Greg Johnson. The average person might not know his name, but the majority would have seen his work, as he’s worked as a photographer for around 20 years, and has shot for the weather network among other clients.
The weekend was eye-opening and showed me that I am barely scratching the surface of the capabilities of my camera.
I’m excited to put the tools I’ve learned to use in the coming weeks, months, and beyond.
When I left EMS in 2013 due to mental health issues, it felt like I lost my passion, and that I was too old to find something new.
It took me a few years, and a detour that I never would have expected, but I am finding it again in my photography and my writing.
It just goes to show, you’re never too old to learn, or love, something new.