I remember working at my father’s company during the summer when I was 15 years old to save up for a digital camera. After the summer, I bought a Nikon D5000 with the budget 18-55mm kit lens. At the time, I was really into BMX, so this camera was perfect for capturing my BMX tricks.
The kit came with a small landscape photography book, which I found fascinating. Eventually, I started using the camera to capture other things, not just my shitty BMX tricks.
I really enjoyed taking random pictures, so I started bringing my camera everywhere I went, capturing tons of shots. And I mean a lot. Looking back now, I have those years almost fully documented, with photos from nearly every day.
At the time, I wasn’t doing it with any real intention; I was just photographing whatever caught my eye. I think that’s the beauty of photography.
I also invested in new lenses, including a 70-300mm telephoto lens. I remember being amazed by its zoom capabilities. Before that, I was shooting with the 18-55mm kit lens or a 35mm pancake lens. I had never used a telephoto lens before.
One of my favorite pictures from that time is this one. It captures the technological state of things back then. You can see my laptop running Windows XP, where I’m watching a boxing video on YouTube with its old interface. Connected to the laptop is a WiFi module, as most computers at the time didn’t have built-in WiFi capabilities. On the left, you can also see my phone.
After thousands of photos, I decided to upgrade my camera body. I sold my Nikon D5000 and bought a brand-new Nikon D5300, which I still have. I remember this decision being heavily influenced by Casey Neistat’s videos. Around that time, Casey started daily vlogging, and I was really inspired by his style. I made a few videos documenting my everyday life but never published them. However, I continued taking photos.
A few years went by, and as I grew older, life happened. Unfortunately, I started taking fewer and fewer pictures until I eventually stored my camera in the closet and forgot about it. I then only used the camera when traveling with my family, which was nice, but I lost the habit of documenting everyday life.
At the beginning of 2019, not remembering exactly why, I asked my father if he had a camera from when he was young. To my surprise, he gave me a Pentax P30T film camera, along with a Cosina 24mm lens, a Flexar 70-200mm telephoto zoom lens, a flash, and a couple of filters—all stored neatly in a bag and in perfect condition.
Even though I grew up around film cameras, I didn’t remember how to use one. So, I downloaded the camera manual, bought some film, and started using it.
I found the process of film photography very interesting. It forces you to slow down and think more before taking a picture. Not only because shooting film can be expensive, but also because you only have 36 shots in a roll—you’d better not waste them.
Fast forward to a few months ago, when I went on a trip to the East Coast of the United States and Canada. I spent almost a month there, which gave me plenty of time to reflect. I realized that I had abandoned many things I used to enjoy as a child, even though I still find them enjoyable.
By no means do I take great pictures, but that doesn’t matter. I realized that I often abandon things because I feel I can’t be the best at them. Society often expects us to become the best at whatever we do. If we can’t be the best, then it’s seen as a waste of time. Yeah fuck that. If I live by this mantra, I won’t be happy.
After reflecting on this, I decided to buy a digital camera to use alongside my analog one every day. I had some requirements based on my experience with the Pentax P30T. I enjoy film and the process of taking film photos, so if I bought a digital camera, the experience of taking pictures needed to be as similar as possible.
While spending a few days in New York City, I visited B&H and bought a Fujifilm X-T30 II. So far, I’m really enjoying it. It’s small, relatively affordable, and features something called film simulations, which replicate the look of film photos. At first, I was a bit skeptical, but I’ve found it to be very well done.
Photography helps me break the daily routine of work and other responsibilities. It forces me to go outside, interact with people, and be more aware of my surroundings. My plan is to travel more frequently and share pictures on Dennis Journal, without focusing on technique, style, or anything specific. I’m not an expert, nor do I want to be one. So, I’ve embraced a new hobby—one that I had, lost, and am now trying to bring back.