National Camera Day

The history of the camera can be traced back to the Middle Ages. Abu Ali al Hasan ibn al-Haytham, an Arab Muslim scholar born around 965, was the first to use the camera obscura, an optical device that consists of a dark room with a small hole.  Light passes through the hole and projects an image of what is outside the room. Since the Middle Ages, numerous technological advances in photography have produced the modern day camera, which is now virtually accessible to everyone. In light of National Camera Day, we have invited two photographers based in Jackson Hole, Wyoming to answer questions about their photography experience.  

Anya Enloe - Vanilla Pine Photo - @vanillapinephoto  
1. When/how did your passion for photography begin?
​My passion for photography started at a very early age. My parents gave me disposable cameras as gifts until I was responsible enough to borrow my Dad's DSLR. In middle school and high school I was always known as the "artsy" friend who was really into cameras and knew how to use editing programs like Lightroom and VSCO. I was a competitive swimmer for 15 years and was recruited as a Student-Athlete at the University of Arkansas. Sometimes, I would bring my GoPro to practice and take pictures of my teammates underwater. My photos got the attention of the athletic department, and many of my photographs were published on ArkansasRazorbacks.com. Additionally, I was a member of the Arkansas Student-Athlete government (SAAC) and elected marketing chair because of my photography.  
2. What camera(s) do you use?
I have 2 cameras, the Sony A7rIII & A7rII. I will probably upgrade to the Sony A9 by 2022.  
3. How did you enhance your photography skills?
They say it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert on something. The same goes for photography. Practice, practice, practice... in all types of light, on all subjects.  
4. What is your favorite photography style and why? (i.e. Wildlife, night, portrait)
I love all types of photography, but right now, I am really enjoying weddings. There is something so special about documenting a love story and giving a wonderful couple the gift of beautiful cherished memories in Jackson Hole, one of the most romantic places on Earth.  
5. If you could give one piece of advice to a beginner photographer, what would it be?
​My first piece of advice would be to have a lot of patience. It takes time to save up for gear, it takes time to find your editing style, and it takes time to build a portfolio. My second piece of advice would be to make a realistic budget. Between cameras, lenses, computers, SD cards and backup drives, most professional photographers own at least $10,000 of gear. On top of that, marketing is very expensive (Google Ads and websites like The Knot). Make a budget for yourself, so the costs don't seem so daunting.    

Blair Worthington - Blair Worthington Photography - @blairwothingtonart
1. When/how did your passion for photography begin?
Making art and being creative has been a part of my identity for as long as I can remember. I don’t think there was ever a time where I wasn’t trying to create something! In college, I took a photography class in pursuit of an art education degree, and it totally changed my life. I was hooked.
2. What camera(s) do you use?
I primarily shoot on a Canon R5 with an R6 as backup!
3. How did you enhance your photography skills?
Maybe it stems from my brief stint in the art education world, but I’m passionate about being a lifelong learner. I know I will always have room to grow and improve and I’m always trying to continue my education and invest in myself—I try to complete one or two online courses a year and as many in-person workshops as my schedule will allow.
4. What is your favorite photography style and why? (i.e. Wildlife, night, portrait)
My favorite photography style is the one I try to emulate in my own work—portraits of couples that capture their love in a timeless, film-inspired style.
5. If you could give one piece of advice to a beginner photographer, what would it be?
The best advice I ever received is something every beginner photographer should know: it doesn’t matter what gear you have to start with. Work on your own skills until you outgrow your camera and need to upgrade, instead of using an amazing camera without the knowledge and experience to carry you through. I had a love/hate relationship with the canon rebel I learned on, but when I first started, I couldn’t afford anything better and so had no other choice than to turn those photos into something amazing. Learn compositions and the principles of design; practice practice practice and figure out the photographer YOU want to be!