I couldn't really figure out the best way to write about myself, so I figured I'd go with an interview type format to answer some of the questions people often ask me when it relates to photography.
How did you get into photography?
In one of my past jobs, I worked for Opera Software, creators of the Opera and Opera Mini web browsers. As they are based in Norway, I had the chance to go over there a few times while I was employed with them. On one of my trips there my coworker and friend, Arnfinn, had his Canon DSLR at the office. I had never understood the need for a big bulky camera when point-and-shoot cameras exist, so I asked him about it. He started to show me all the features, how you can interchange the lenses, and the kind of insane effects you can get with an SLR, that you just can't get with a point-and-shoot. I have always been artistic by nature and love to take pics to record my life, and this seemed like it could combine those two interests. So I got this huge urge to buy one myself. I got my first DSLR in December of 2008, a Canon Rebel XS (1000D). Since then most of my income has gone to buying new equipment, going on workshops, reading books, etc. This is my passion now, aside from Jesus Christ, and it makes me happy. :)
How do you learn new techniques and skills?
The first book I ever read about photography was "Understanding Exposure". It came highly recommended by several users on flickr and was a cheap investment. This book really helped me learn all the basics of Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO, and all the other basic nuances. Other than that, I've bought a lot of books and devoured them. I study photos that I like and figure out what makes me like them. "What about this photo makes it good?" I like to think. Maybe it's a strong foregound element. Maybe it's a colorful sunset. I go on flickr every day and browse photos and learn from them and get ideas. Also, some photographers offer in-field workshops, like Stephen Oachs and Brian Rueb. I found Stephen's photos on flickr, went to his site, and now I try to go to as many of his workshops as possible, and I've learned a ton from the two of them. Nothing is better than learning from a pro in the field.
Workshops
I offer private individual and group workshops to any location in the world. I charge $250/person per day for all the instruction, plus travel and lodging expenses for myself. This includes guiding you to specific locations for sunrise and sunset shots, as well as any locations you'd like to photograph at other times throughout the day. I also offer instruction in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom for post-processing. My workshops are fully customizable according to your preferences (shooting or post-processing). I am at your total disposal based on what YOU want to get out of your workshop and the time you have me for.
While I am based in the San Francisco Bay Area. I can teach a workshop to anyone, anywhere in the world. If I haven't been to the desired location before, I make sure to research everything to make sure I can take you to all the best spots, at the right times of day for the right light, during the best times of year that work for you. A deposit of at least 50% is due at least one month prior to the date of the workshop. A deposit reserves the date. Fill out my contact form if you are interested in signing up for a workshop. In the message box, please include the number of participants interested, locations of interest, and dates of availability.
How did you get into photography?
In one of my past jobs, I worked for Opera Software, creators of the Opera and Opera Mini web browsers. As they are based in Norway, I had the chance to go over there a few times while I was employed with them. On one of my trips there my coworker and friend, Arnfinn, had his Canon DSLR at the office. I had never understood the need for a big bulky camera when point-and-shoot cameras exist, so I asked him about it. He started to show me all the features, how you can interchange the lenses, and the kind of insane effects you can get with an SLR, that you just can't get with a point-and-shoot. I have always been artistic by nature and love to take pics to record my life, and this seemed like it could combine those two interests. So I got this huge urge to buy one myself. I got my first DSLR in December of 2008, a Canon Rebel XS (1000D). Since then most of my income has gone to buying new equipment, going on workshops, reading books, etc. This is my passion now, aside from Jesus Christ, and it makes me happy. :)
How do you learn new techniques and skills?
The first book I ever read about photography was "Understanding Exposure". It came highly recommended by several users on flickr and was a cheap investment. This book really helped me learn all the basics of Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO, and all the other basic nuances. Other than that, I've bought a lot of books and devoured them. I study photos that I like and figure out what makes me like them. "What about this photo makes it good?" I like to think. Maybe it's a strong foregound element. Maybe it's a colorful sunset. I go on flickr every day and browse photos and learn from them and get ideas. Also, some photographers offer in-field workshops, like Stephen Oachs and Brian Rueb. I found Stephen's photos on flickr, went to his site, and now I try to go to as many of his workshops as possible, and I've learned a ton from the two of them. Nothing is better than learning from a pro in the field.
Workshops
I offer private individual and group workshops to any location in the world. I charge $250/person per day for all the instruction, plus travel and lodging expenses for myself. This includes guiding you to specific locations for sunrise and sunset shots, as well as any locations you'd like to photograph at other times throughout the day. I also offer instruction in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom for post-processing. My workshops are fully customizable according to your preferences (shooting or post-processing). I am at your total disposal based on what YOU want to get out of your workshop and the time you have me for.
While I am based in the San Francisco Bay Area. I can teach a workshop to anyone, anywhere in the world. If I haven't been to the desired location before, I make sure to research everything to make sure I can take you to all the best spots, at the right times of day for the right light, during the best times of year that work for you. A deposit of at least 50% is due at least one month prior to the date of the workshop. A deposit reserves the date. Fill out my contact form if you are interested in signing up for a workshop. In the message box, please include the number of participants interested, locations of interest, and dates of availability.
© Steven Davis Photography