Guest post by Terri Jacobson (@greygirl on twitter), one of the tasra365 challenge photographers. If you’d like to be a guest blogger or featured photographer on tasramar.com, leave a comment below.
Making it to the Big Time
I’ve held an SLR camera in my hand for nearly 30 years now, my dad gave me my first Minolta SRT101 and I honestly didn’t have a clue what to do with it. I hit pay dirt with my next Minolta, it was automatic. I really loved my first Canon, it had the green auto everything box on the dialy thingy and auto focus. I made it to the big time.
The Maiden Voyage Away from Auto
Last spring, I got a wild hair and wanted to shoot a sunset out at the coast, I referred to the Internet for a quick tutorial on how to capture the vivid colors. It wasn’t quick and I had to print the darn thing out to take with me if I was going to have a snow ball’s chance of remembering everything it was telling me to do. I was about to embark on my maiden voyage away from full auto and the green square.
I love old rusted cars, they just ask to have their photo taken. I'm constantly on the look-out when we take our adventures. © Terri Jacobson
Don’t Forget the Day Job
The last nine months have taken me on a whirlwind tour through photography. By day I am a graphic designer for a community college. My training in graphic design definitely drives my photography. I like white space and bokeh is my friend. I love the more artistic side of photography and while I think it is important to get as much right in the camera as possible, almost every photograph starts in Lightroom and moves through Photoshop and I’m certainly not afraid to crop to get the look I want.
Ancient plum tree after a day of rain. © Terri Jacobson
The $2 Portrait Project
Most of the time I’m surprised by my images that I take, I still have not trained my eye to see through the lens first. I enjoy shooting many different things from landscapes to the tiniest of detail through my macro lens. I long to become comfortable shooting people. My heart wants to capture the stories that I see on their faces, the cricket on my shoulder keeps telling me I am invading their privacy. I love Thomas Hawkes $2 portrait project and have taken a few and probably enjoyed the interaction as much as the photo.
A Brave New World
I am amazed at the world I see now. It certainly isn’t the same one I looked at a year ago. I look forward to the sunrises, the sunsets and the change of seasons.
The Internet has has become my best friend during this journey. I google information, tweet my photo of the day and keep a blog with my daily photos. I have picked up a wealth of information. I’m amazed all of the time by some of the incredible talent I find and everyday, I hope to make a photo just like them.
Sunsets and sunrises are so peaceful. I don't know how many I have missed, but I will never take another one for granted. © Terri Jacobson
Embrace the Rookie Photographer
The best thing I have done for my photography is the 365 project. I am pushed everyday to try something new just to get an interesting picture. The 365 gives me a reason to experiment, to try something new and to just keep shooting.
I am a complete rookie in the world of photography and I’m loving every minute of it. I’m not sure where my journey is taking me, but for now, it brings me great joy.
Moody and mysterious moon peeking out behind the trees at 5 am. © Terri Jacobson
Question: Are you embracing your inner rookie? In what ways are you opening yourself up to exploring and learning new skills? Why not share with us in the comments?!?
On Pinterest? 
