How I started photography

Isabelle Soh
May 1, 2015
3 min read

Before the iPhone and Instagram took over the world, the idea of photography was pretty much a hobby that involved lugging around a big black box hung over your neck with a huge intimidating tube attached to it.

Compact point-and-shoots were mostly the way to go for noobcakes (Noun: noobs that are pwned continually without ever getting any kills - Urban dictionary; basically a cooler way of calling yourself lousy) like me, who didn't have the sexy biceps to carry all the equipment.

As much as I love myself in pictures (yes I am a vainpot), I was never much the aspiring photographer until 2010.

It all started with me preparing for my exchange in Europe when I came across picturesque castles, lakes, mountains, churches, gondolas, pasta, pork knuckles etc etc on Google Images.

Neuschwanstein Castle, Schwangau, Germany

Yah, I know, it sounds like I was planning for 6 months of holiday rather than school and I'm not denying it. I admit was spending more time on my travel itinerary than on my German.

Well, in any case, that was when I got inspiried and thought that since I was going to have the opportunity to see these gorgeous sights, I needed a zai (Adj, Hk: powerful) camera to capture all these stuff. I don't have a good memory too, which was partly why I wanted pretty pictures to help me preserve my exchange experience so that I can share (or brag) it with people.

Can you imagine how exhilarated I was when my Small Ko Chay and Uncle Gerald gave me my first DSLR before I left for my exchange?!?

This Canon 1000d was my introduction to DSLRs and we hung out alot! We did my Europe exchange together, lived the New Yorker's life in the Big Apple for another six months, went romancing on my Remarkabelle honeymoon and had random holidayings here and there.

Most importantly, we created #isajourney together, which is a collection of pictures I took while I toured the world serving coffee and tea. This period solidified my interest and skills in photography, giving me opportunities to capture the many stunning sights in the world. Literally.

I like to keep momentos (Mark calls me a hoarder and I drive my dad nuts with boxes of junk from 15 years ago still rotting in Hougang) and thought of keeping this baby with me even though Mark has a 50d and we just accquired a hand-me-down 6d. (Yay to Canon!)

But I knew it would be such a waste for it to sit in dust when someone else could be using to capture magic in their lives. With some convincing, Mark managed to get me to list my old trusty 1000d on Craigslist. I was contacted within hours of the post and the sale of the camera was confirmed.

I guess it's time to let you go, dear 1000d.

So for old time's sake, I've consolidated some highlights of the adventures we had together for you to enjoy. For the #isajourney collection and other awesome (well at least I think they are decent haha) pictures, please have a look at my Gallery =)