about
My Photography History
I’m not 100% sure what sparked my interest in photography. Maybe it was because it was a long-time hobby of my dad’s and it was built into me genetically. I’m not sure.
My first camera was a purple, Le Clic 110 that I got in the early-mid 1990s or so. I used it to photograph trips, church stuff, and the flowers in my backyard. (Flowers are always a good place to start, y’know.) My first experience with a “real” camera was in 1997, taking photos for my high school yearbook with an SLR; the brand of which I have forgotten. I didn’t quite get the hang out of the whole manual focus thing; most of my shots didn’t make it in.
In the early 2000s I bought my first instant camera — a Polaroid I-Zone, the kind with the convertible plates. I got quite a bit of use out of it; but I wish I’d gotten more film for it before it was discontinued. On the other hand, maybe it was just as well that I’d never get to use it again.
For Christmas 2002, I received what I still consider to be one of my favourite cameras a Minolta Maxxum Qtsi, an autofocus SLR. I’ve used it for everything from craptastic self-portraits to nature photos to shooting pictures on the road.
About a year after that, I bought my first digital camera, a previously-enjoyed Nikon Coolpix 5000 (thanks, Caro!). That’s seen lots of use as well; but, overall, it does not compare to shooting film at all. Even when I did shoot tons of digital, I still made it a point to return to film.
In the spring 2007 I would return to instant photography. I dug out my parents’ old Onestep, bought some SX-70 Blend, and started shooting. Learning that I could also use 600 film with it was a plus. That summer, I got an old Spectra off eBay and began to use that, too. My latest acquisition is a Colorpack IV, which takes peel-apart packfilm, which (unfortunately) may be my only option in the future, along with digital and 35mm.
Eventually, I’d also like to explore 120/medium-format photography. Is a toy camera in my future? Hrm…
About shellyfoto
I, pretty much, started this photoblog on a whim. I thought “shellyfoto” was a good name, so I kinda ran with it. What else can I say? 
